Autism severity and muscle strength: A correlation analysis

Abstract

The current study examined the relationship between muscle strength, as measured by hand grip strength, and autism severity, as measured by the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). Thirty-seven (37) children with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) were evaluated using the CARS and then tested for hand muscle strength using a hand grip dynamometer. Statistical analysis was then conducted to examine the relationship between autism severity and hand muscle strength. The model generated in the present study showed that the CARS score is a significant predictor of Max Hand Muscle Score after adjustment for age, race, gender, year of birth, and a history of prior chelation therapy. Evidence suggests that hand grip strength in children with ASD is related to the severity of the disorder. Further research is needed to determine the extent and consistency of the muscle weakness and possible treatments.