Virtual Reality-Based Postural Balance Training in Autistic Children: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Pediatrics
• Rehabilitation Technology

Background:

• Autistic individuals often exhibit challenges with postural balance.
• Immersive virtual reality (VR) offers a novel approach to address these motor deficits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of VR-based balance training using the Gait Real-time Analysis Interactive Lab (GRAIL) system on autistic children.
• To assess changes in postural balance and motor skills in participants.

Main Methods:

• A 5-week randomized controlled trial involving 20 autistic children (aged 6-13) comparing GRAIL balance training to a control group.
• Primary outcomes included center of pressure (CoP) metrics and Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 scores.
• Secondary outcomes involved parent-reported questionnaires and gait analysis via GRAIL.

Main Results:

• Significant interactions between time and group were observed in specific CoP metrics, including sway path length and antero-posterior velocity.
• Preliminary evidence suggests VR training influences postural control strategies.

Conclusions:

• VR-based training with GRAIL shows potential for inducing subtle improvements in postural balance in autistic children.
• Longer or more intensive training durations may yield more pronounced benefits.