Enhanced Postural Control Through Textured Insoles in Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder: ASensorimotor Integration Perspective.

Researchers tested whether special textured shoe insoles could help autistic adults with balance. They studied 21 adults and found that the textured insoles significantly improved balance, especially in challenging situations like standing on an unstable surface with eyes closed. The insoles appear to work by providing extra sensory feedback through the feet, which may help compensate for the sensory processing differences common in autism.

This study examined whether textured insoles improve postural control in 21 adults with autism spectrum disorder (average age 28.4 years). Using a pressure platform system, researchers measured postural sway under different conditions: firm versus foam surfaces, eyes open versus closed, and with versus without textured insoles. Results showed textured insoles significantly reduced postural sway parameters, with the greatest improvements occurring in challenging conditions (eyes closed on foam surface). Envelope area decreased by 45.2%, root mean square by 38.2%, and total path length by 31.1%.

The strongest effects occurred when proprioceptive information was limited, suggesting textured insoles enhance somatosensory feedback and may compensate for sensory integration difficulties commonly experienced by autistic individuals.

Textured insoles represent a simple, non-invasive intervention that may improve postural control in autistic adults. The intervention appears particularly beneficial in challenging sensory environments, suggesting potential applications for daily activities requiring good balance and proprioceptive awareness.

Small sample size (n=21) limits generalizability. Single-session study design cannot assess long-term effects or adaptation. Limited to adults only, excluding children and adolescents. No control group comparison with neurotypical individuals reported.

This study investigated the effects of textured insoles on postural control in adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), examining how enhanced somatosensory feedback influences sensorimotor integration under varying sensory conditions. Twenty-one adults with ASD (Mage = 28.4 ± 4.2 years) participated in a within-subjects design study with a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design (surface: firm/foam, vision: eyes open/closed, and insole: with/without). Postural control was assessed using the Gaitview AFA-50 pressure platform system. Center of pressure parameters, including envelope area, root mean square, and total path length were analyzed to evaluate spatial and temporal aspects of postural control performance.

The results showed that textured insoles significantly reduced postural sway parameters, indicating improved postural control, most significantly in conditions where sensorimotor integration was challenging (eyes closed on foam surface). Envelope area was reduced by 45.2% (p < .01), root mean square by 38.2% (p < .001), and total path length by 31.1% (p < .001), indicating improved postural control. Astrong interaction between surface type and insole condition was found particularly for root mean square (ηp2 = .685, p < .001), suggesting that the effects of somatosensory enhancement are greater when proprioceptive information is limited. Our results suggest that textured insoles reduce postural sway in adults with ASD, indicating improved postural control by enhancing plantar somatosensory feedback.

This sensory augmentation may compensate for sensory integration difficulties commonly observed in ASD by strengthening one sensory channel, potentially facilitating more effective multisensory integration for postural control.