Analysis of certain quantitative gait parameters in children with autism spectrum disorders

Abstract

No doubt Autism spectrum disorders is a disorder of neuronal development characterized by impaired social interaction and communication and by restricted and repetitive behavior, previous studies have documented a definite link of autism with motor impairment. The fact that most of the previous studies on children with ASD have been focused on their social and behavioral problems, it has diluted the focus and attention of rehabilitation community on physical functioning of these children especially gait performances. A total of forty five children with ASD (34 males and 11 females) with an average age of 8.47 years (range 4-14 years) were included in the study another forty five typically developing asymptomatic children (32 males and 13 females) with an average age 8.87 years (range 4-14 years) were selected as a control group for comparison of gait parameters. Step length (Right and Left), stride length, cadence and gait velocity were measured using footprints method of gait analysis. It was found that there was a significant difference between step length (left and right) and stride length children with ASD and asymptomatic children. But there was no significant difference between cadence and gait velocity of both the groups.