Postural control in a group of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder

*Correspondence: [e-mail].

Abstract

Background: Previous studies indicate that people with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have impairments in postural control compared to typical development. However, there are few studies that compare the profile of postural control between children and adolescents with the same diagnosis.

Objective: To verify if there are differences in measures of postural control between children and adolescents with ASD.

Methods: 46 people with ASD participated, 34 (73.9%) males, between 6 and 17 years old (M = 12.8, SD = 2.64), divided into three groups (6-9, 10-13 and 14-17 years old). A force platform (Triaxial Digital P-6000) was used at a frequency of 50 Hz. Postural control measurements were obtained in conditions with eyes open (OA) and closed (OF), with (CE) and without foam (SE), in a static and upright position for 30 seconds in each condition. Balance parameters were analyzed, based on the center of pressure (COP), being the ellipse area, speed of oscillations and frequency of oscillations in the anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) directions.

Results: There was no difference between groups, but a trend towards displacement in the M/L plane with increase age. In the A/P plane, there was a decrease in displacement with sensory interference. There is a tendency towards an increase in COP displacement speed in children aged ≤ 9 years. There was no standard on COP length. Vision influenced the maintenance of postural control. With OA, there was greater displacement in the M/L and A/P plane, regardless of whether CE or SE, and this was followed by an increase in the COP displacement velocity (higher CE velocity). The length of the COP remained with OA or OF.

Conclusion: The maintenance of postural control seems to suffer more impact when vision is altered than with age, indicating that there is no improvement in postural control with age in this group. There is greater displacement of the groups, with or without foam, indicating less postural control.

 

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Publication History

Article published online:
12 May 2025