A Pilot Study Comparing Postural Control in Adolescents With and Without Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Evaluation...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Psychology
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) like autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are associated with atypical postural regulation.
• Sensory integration challenges are common in NDDs, impacting motor control.
• Limited research exists on postural sway under varied environmental conditions, especially auditory stimuli, in adolescents with NDDs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare center of pressure (COP) sway in adolescents with and without NDDs.
• To investigate postural control under open-eye, closed-eye, and auditory stimulation conditions.
• To analyze directional sway and the specific effects of auditory input on balance.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional pilot study involving 9 adolescents with NDDs and 37 typically developing (TD) peers.
• Assessment of physical measurements and static standing balance using a force plate.
• Measurement of COP sway under three conditions: eyes open, eyes closed, and auditory stimulation.

Main Results:

• Adolescents with NDDs had significantly lower grip and knee extension strength.
• Significantly greater COP sway was observed in the NDD group during auditory stimulation (p < 0.001, r = 0.71).
• Both groups exhibited increased sway under auditory stimulation compared to the eyes-open condition (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• Adolescents with NDDs show increased postural sway under auditory stimulation, suggesting sensory integration difficulties.
• Reduced muscular control may contribute to balance deficits in this population.
• Further research with larger, homogeneous samples is needed to confirm findings and explore auditory input's role.