BALANCE-ORIENTED INTERVENTION IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER: A PRE-POST CLINICAL STUDY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24193/subbeag.70.sp.iss.1.22Keywords:
autism spectrum disorder, balance, BOT-2, Flamingo, motor obstacle courses, physiotherapyAbstract
Objective. This paper investigates the effect of two classes of interventions (balance exercises and motor/obstacle-course activities) on balance in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Method. Six children (ages 6–14) diagnosed with ASD attended, between 10/01/2023 and the present, one weekly physiotherapy session (~60 min), alternating balance exercises with motor obstacle courses. Baseline and post-intervention assessments included: a Motor Assessment Form (30 items, Yes/No), the BOT-2 Balance subtest (9 items; total score 0–37), the Flamingo test (number of attempts to maintain 60 s on one leg), and a Proactive Balance Assessment (7 tasks rated “with assistance” M.A. vs. “without assistance” M.F.A.). Results. All participants improved. The number of “Yes” responses on the Motor Form increased and “No” decreased for every child. BOT-2 scores rose (two children reached 37/37 at post-test). On the Flamingo test, all four eligible children reduced their number of attempts (lower score = better performance). In the proactive assessment, all shifted from M.A. to M.F.A. on most/all tasks. Conclusions. A structured weekly program combining balance exercises with motor obstacle courses is associated with significant improvements in static and dynamic balance in children with ASD.
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