The effect of eight weeks of central stability exercises on sensory-motor development of children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

Introduction: Sensory-motor problems are among the outstanding characteristics of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Aim: The present research was conducted aiming to assess the effectiveness of eight weeks of central stability exercises on the sensory-motor development of children with high-functioning ASD. Method: The research method was semi-experimental with a pretest-posttest design with a control group. The statistical population consisted of all 6-10-year-old children with ASD referring to autism rehabilitation centers in Tehran in 2023. Twenty-four high-functioning ASD children were selected by the convenience sampling method and evaluated by the Sensory Profile-2 tests and the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency after eight sessions of central stability exercises. The results were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and SPSS version 22. Results: The results of univariate ANCOVA indicated that eight weeks of central stability exercises culminated in promoting sensory development in children with high-functioning ASD (P<0.01). The results of multivariate ANCOVA indicated that the F value obtained for all three dimensions of motor development, including gross motor skill, fine motor skill, and upper limb coordination, was significant (P<0.01). Conclusion: According to the results, it can be concluded that central stability exercises are among the efficient methods for the development of sensory-motor skills in children with high-functioning ASD, which can be used in special education and rehabilitation centers for these children.