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Weighted Vest Loads Do Not Elicit Changes in Spatial-Temporal Gait Parameters in Children and Adolescents With Autism
Alyssa N Olivas1,2, Emily A Chavez3, Jeffrey D Eggleston3,4
1The Polytechnic School, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, Arizona State University, Mesa, AZ,USA.
Journal of Applied Biomechanics
|November 2, 2022
Summary
Researchers investigated weighted vest effects on gait in children with autism. No specific optimal weight was found, but gait remained stable even with increased loads, suggesting potential clinical relevance for behavioral interventions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomechanical Engineering
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Weighted vests are common behavioral interventions for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
- Existing research on neurotypical children suggests specific body mass loads affect gait.
- The optimal weighted vest load for gait modification in children with ASD is unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine an appropriate weighted vest mass for children and adolescents with autism.
- To examine the effects of various weighted vest loads on spatial-temporal gait parameters in this population.
Main Methods:
- Nine children and adolescents (aged 8-17) with autism participated.
- Participants walked with weighted vests at 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% body mass.
- Spatial-temporal gait data were collected and analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA with Holm-Bonferroni correction.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in right step length was observed with weighted vests.
- No significant differences were found in stride width, left step length, double-limb support time, or stride velocity.
- An optimal mass value for weighted vests in children with autism could not be determined due to insignificant findings.
Conclusions:
- While no specific optimal mass was identified, unchanged spatial-temporal gait parameters across increasing loads may hold clinical relevance.
- Current clinical practice often utilizes 10% body mass loads for behavioral interventions in autism.
- Further research is needed to establish precise weighted vest guidelines for gait in children with autism.
