Autism Spectrum Disorder
Conditions
Keywords
Autism, sensory motor integration, Post facilitation stretch
Brief summary
To determine the effects of sensory motor integration and post facilitation stretch on toe walking and sensory processing behaviors using Foot Posture Index and Sensory Profile respectively.
Detailed description
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disease that involves communication, social interaction and language in different ways. The autism toe walker is affected by outside world contact refusal: touching the ground as little as possible, trying to avoid any contact. The pathological walking caused by myotendinous retraction of the sural muscles bilaterally, succeeding in transforming an equine "attitude" into structured clubfoot walking. Many therapy options have been described: no treatment, physical therapy or casting to stretch the gastrocnemius, soleus, and Achilles' tendon, surgical lengthening of the gastrocnemius, soleus and Achilles tendon, blocking plantar flexion. Sensorimotor integration is the process by which motor behaviors and sensory system processing take place together, with motor actions being continuously guided by sensory information.
Interventions
OTHERSensorimotor Integration and Post-Facilitation Stretch
Sensorimotor integration is facilitated by positioning the child in a seated posture and instructing them to use both feet to retrieve toys from a water-filled bucket and transfer them to another container. Other sensory motor integration activities involve play dough, hand imprinting etc.
OTHERPost-Facilitation Stretch
Gastrocnemius and soleus stretch (standing and supine) Ankle dorsiflexion with resistance (manual or band-assisted)
Sponsors
Riphah International University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
4 Years to 10 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Children with diagnosed Mild Autism Spectrum Disorder * Presenting with toe walk as a prominent feature of Autism Spectrum Disorder (e.g., more than 50% of steps observed during a gait assessment). Toe walking should be entirely because of Achilles tightness. * Able to follow simple verbal commands. * Sufficient gross motor skills present.
Exclusion criteria
* Toe walking due to neurological (e.g., cerebral palsy, spina bifida, peripheral neuropathy) or orthopedic disorders (e.g., clubfoot, leg length discrepancy \> 1 cm, hip dysplasia, contractures not related to idiopathic toe walking) and other behavioral factors that could be the primary cause of toe walking will be excluded. * History of Achilles tendon surgery or lower limb surgery. * Current participation in another physical therapy intervention targeting gait or posture * Severe behavioral/sensory issues that would interfere with treatment sessions i.e. severe Autism Spectrum Disorder with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder as well as mental retardation. * Non-ambulatory children.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Foot Posture Index (FPI-6) | 4 weeks | The Foot Posture Index (FPI) is a clinical tool used to assess and quantify the posture of the foot. Each of the six criteria is scored on a scale, typically from -2 to +2, with negative scores indicating supination, positive scores indicating pronation, and zero representing a neutral position. The individual scores are then summed to provide a total FPI score, which can range from -12 (highly supinated) to +12 (highly pronated). |
| Universal Half Goniometer | 4 weeks | Goniometers are a type of instrument used for precisely measuring angles. Goniometers consist of a graduated semicircle or full-circle where the measurements of angles are read, and two arms that meet at the vertex at the center of the semicircle or circle. |
| Sensory Profile (Short Form) | 4 weeks | The Short Sensory Profile (SSP) is a caregiver questionnaire used to assess sensory processing patterns in children, particularly those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It helps identify how children respond to various sensory stimuli and how these responses might impact their daily lives. The SSP is a shortened version of the Sensory Profile, designed for children aged 3 to 10 years. |
Countries
Pakistan
Contacts
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORMaria khalid, MSOMPT
Riphah International University
Outcome results
None listed