Dynamic Postural Control in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review.

This research looked at how well children with autism can balance and control their posture during movement tasks. The study found that children with autism have more difficulty with balance compared to other children. They are less stable, more likely to lose their balance when their body position changes, and need to make extra movements to stay upright and prevent falls. These balance challenges may affect their daily activities and independence.

This systematic review examined dynamic postural control in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared to typically developing peers. The review analyzed 13 studies published between 2005-2024, with 8 studies showing good methodological quality and 5 showing fair quality. Findings revealed that children with ASD experience impaired dynamic postural control characterized by reduced postural stability, increased vulnerability to changes in body alignment, and altered center of pressure. These neuromotor deficits result in compensatory movements to maintain posture and avoid falls.

The research indicates that dynamic postural control challenges in ASD may impact functioning, independence, and quality of life.

Findings suggest children with ASD may benefit from targeted interventions addressing dynamic postural control and balance training. Assessment of postural control should be considered in comprehensive evaluations. Compensatory strategies identified could inform therapeutic approaches to improve stability and reduce fall risk.

The abstract does not specify sample sizes across studies or provide details about participant characteristics. The review acknowledges need for further research on impact of sensory information, age, cognition, and support level on dynamic postural control, suggesting current evidence has gaps.

Dynamic postural control provides functioning, independence, and quality of life. to estimate the extent to which dynamic postural control (O) is affected in children with ASD (P/E) in comparison to their typically developing peers (C), summarizing the findings and answering the following research question: How is the postural control of children with ASD affected when facing dynamic tasks? The search was conducted using the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, EMBASE. Studies addressing the postural control involving dynamic stability in children and adolescents with ASD and their typical peers were selected. Thirteen studies, published between 2005 and 2024, eight of which presented good methodological quality and five, fair ones, fulfilled the inclusion/exclusion criteria.

We determined that dynamic postural control in ASD is affected by neuromotor deficits, such as reduced postural stability. Increased vulnerability to changes in body alignment and center of pressure results in compensatory movements to maintain posture. Children with ASD present impaired dynamic postural control, reduced stability, greater vulnerability to changes in body alignment, and the use of specific compensatory mechanisms to keep posture and avoid falls. Further studies should address the impact of sensory information, age, cognition, and support level on dynamic postural control.