Abstract
The aims of this study were to evaluate the gait abnormalities in children with Asperger syndrome (AS) and to investigate the effectiveness of rhythmical auditory stimulation (RAS) on gait training in children with this condition. Five children with AS (mean age: 8.5 ± 2.0 years) and 6 children with normal development (mean age: 9.5 ± 2.0 years) participated in this study. The participants were asked to walk on a treadmill under each of the following conditions conducted in sequence: (1) walk at a comfortable speed with no RAS (baseline), (2) walk at a comfortable speed accompanied by RAS (sound-on condition), and (3) walk again at a comfortable speed with no RAS (sound-off condition). The temporal and kinematic gait parameters of the walking in each condition were recorded with a VICON 370 system. No significant differences were found among the baseline, sound-on, and sound-off gait parameters in either group. The children with AS rotated their pelvis more during walking than the control group did at baseline (p=0.018) and during the sound-on (p=0.011) condition. Moreover, the control group spent less time in the doubleleg supporting position in the sound-on and subsequent sound-off condition than the AS group did. No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in all other gait parameters (i.e., step length, step width, step height, hip and knee joint angles at mid-stance phase of gait) in the three testing conditions. The children with AS demonstrated excessive pelvic rotation during walking when compared to children with normal development. A short period of gait training with RAS might not be able to improve the walking pattern in children with AS.
Highlights
Asperger syndrome (AS), a form of autism spectrum disorder, is a fairly common condition among children and youth
The aims of this study were to evaluate the gait abnormalities in children with Asperger syndrome (AS) and to investigate the effectiveness of rhythmical auditory stimulation (RAS) on gait training in children with this condition
The participants were asked to walk on a treadmill under each of the following conditions conducted in sequence: (1) walk at a comfortable speed with no RAS, (2) walk at a comfortable speed accompanied by RAS, and (3) walk again at a comfortable speed with no RAS
Summary
Asperger syndrome (AS), a form of autism spectrum disorder, is a fairly common condition among children and youth. It is estimated that as many as 48 per 10,000 children have this disorder [1]. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR), children with AS are characterized by impairment in social interaction, occupation, or other functions [2]. They demonstrate repetitive and restricted stereotyped patterns of behavior, activities, and interests [2]. AS is foremost a social disorder, sensorimotor impairments are widely reported in this group of children [3-5]. Wing first reported that children with AS tend to have poor motor skills, coordination, and balance problems that may affect their daily function, sporting skills, and writing ability [6,7]. Using the standardized Bruininks Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency [8], Ghaziuddin and Butler reported that gross motor skills such as running speed and agility are inferior in children with AS when compared to the norm [3]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
