Commentary on "sEMG Analysis During Landing in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Study".

Abstract

“How could I apply this information?” Given the large number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), accurate identification of causes for associated deficiencies in acquisition and refinement of motor skills is necessary to develop appropriate treatment strategies. This study provided useful information regarding distinctive differences in landing strategies between children diagnosed with ASD and children developing typically. These differences may guide intervention. Findings of atypical muscle timing pre- and postimpact for children with ASD are consistent with prior research highlighting challenges with postural control, coordination, motor planning, and motor skill imitation. Increased extensor muscle activation preimpact may indicate the need to target feedforward strategies. Increased time in flexion postimpact may indicate the need to address feedback strategies. Cerebellar involvement, common in ASD, may explain these challenges in coordination and muscle activation. “What should I be mindful about when applying this information?” Generalization of the findings of this pilot study is not possible based on the small sample size. The findings, however, provide a place from which to determine next steps for investigation. As ASD has wide variation in symptom type and severity, it is important to understand how this diversity may influence landing preparation and reaction. The ability to predict is commonly impaired in ASD. Investigating the impact of this impairment on preparatory stiffness may provide insight. Future studies may investigate how muscle strength, muscle tone, and range of motion affect kinematic findings for children with ASD. Examining the implication of providing 3 different motor cues postimpact may support clinical decision-making. The results of this study help guide potential interventions for landing preparation and reaction. Further, these findings indicate the need for clinicians to be mindful of injury risk, should immature landing strategies persist for children with ASD. Deb Chamberlain, DPT, DHS, PCS, CBIS Franklin Pierce University Goodyear, Arizona Jennifer Parent-Nichols, DPT, EdD, PCS, CBIS Franklin Pierce University Manchester, New Hampshire