Is There an Effect of the Trampoline Program for Autism Spectrum Disorder Children in Portugal?

Abstract

Trampoline-based therapies have demonstrated the potential to enhance motor skills in children with autism by promoting the development of control, stability, and muscle power. This research aimed to investigate the impact of different trampoline therapies on motor abilities competency, lower limb muscle power, and body mass index (BMI) in a group of 25 children with autism (aged 6.9 ± 2.3 years old). Respondents were separated into two groups to participate in the experiment: Group A consisted of six children who underwent a 20-week program, while Group B comprised eight children who received a 32-week program. Additionally, an 11-member control group received no treatment. The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Ability-2 otherwise stated (BOT-2), the Standing Long Jump test, and Mass Index of Body (BMI) assessments was administered at three time points: baseline (T1), during the program (T2), and after the program (T3). The results showed that both experimental groups demonstrated significant improvements scores in BOT-2 and lengthy standing jump workout performance after 20 and 32 weeks of trampoline-based therapy, respectively, compared to the control group. However, there were no significant changes in mass index of body before and after the programs in any of the three groups. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that engaging in trampoline training for a minimum duration of 20 weeks could potentially serve as an efficacious therapeutic approach to enhance motor skills among children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.