Examining the Specificity of Postural Control Deficits in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder Using a Cross-Syndrome Approach

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-22-2020

Publication Title

Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Volume

72

First page number:

1

Last page number:

10

Abstract

Background: Postural control deficits are commonly reported in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). However, identification of specific postural sway features that differentiate ASD from other neurodevelopmental disorders has not been examined. The current study employs a cross-syndrome approach by comparing postural sway area and direction-specific features of sway magnitude, sway velocity, and sway complexity between children with ASD, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and typically developing (TD) controls. Method: Eighty children (7–17 years old) participated in this study. Postural sway was measured on a force plate during 30-s of bilateral quiet stance and balance was assessed using a timed unipedal stance test. Results: Results showed that (1) postural sway area and mediolateral (ML) sway magnitude were significantly greater in children with ASD vs. all groups (p < 0.05); (2) anteroposterior (AP) sway magnitude and velocity were significantly greater in children with ASD vs. TD controls-only (p < 0.05); and (3) static balance was similarly impaired in all clinical groups compared to TD children... (See full abstract in article).

Keywords

Cross-syndrome; Postural control; Balance; Postural sway; ASD; Entropy

Disciplines

Developmental Psychology | Motor Control

Language

English

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