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Atypical Postural Control Variability and Coordination Persist Into Middle and Older Adulthood in Autism Spectrum
Hang Qu1,2, Jingying Wang1,2, Desirae J Shirley1,2
1Neurocognitive and Behavioral Development Laboratory, Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.
Summary
Middle-aged and older autistic adults show distinct postural control differences, with increased sway variability during static stance but reduced coordination during dynamic tasks. These findings highlight potential links to aging and fall risk.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Developmental Neuroscience
Background:
- Postural control deviations are understudied in aging autistic adults.
- Autistic adults face higher risks for neurodegenerative conditions and falls.
- Quantifying postural variability and coordination offers insights into neuromotor aging in autism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate postural control differences in middle-aged and older autistic adults compared to non-autistic adults.
- To analyze static and dynamic postural sway using center of pressure (COP) metrics.
- To explore correlations between postural control and clinical measures in autistic adults.
Main Methods:
- Forty-seven autistic and 48 non-autistic adults performed static and dynamic postural sway tasks on a force platform.
- Center of pressure (COP) metrics, including standard deviation (COPSD) and range of motion (ROM), were analyzed.
- ANCOVAs and multilinear regressions examined group and age interactions, with correlational analyses performed.
Main Results:
- Autistic adults displayed greater COPSD and trajectory length in static stance.
- Reduced COPSD-AP was observed in older autistic adults.
- Autistic adults showed decreased dynamic COP ROM but increased variability, with jerkier sway and associations to lower verbal IQ.
Conclusions:
- Persistent postural control deviations are evident in middle-aged and older autistic adults.
- Static and dynamic stance reveal unique postural control profiles in autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
- Further longitudinal research is needed to determine if these deviations predict neurodegeneration and fall severity.
