Postural Control in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

New research from the University of Poitiers in Poitiers, France, sheds light on the distinct postural control patterns exhibited by autistic children. The study analyzed 24 autistic and 24 neurotypical children to identify the most discriminative Centre of Pressure (CoP) variables that distinguish autistic children from neurotypical ones. The findings suggest that autistic children have greater difficulty integrating multisensory information and an increased reliance on supraspinal processes for postural control.

Key Takeaways:

• The study evaluated 24 autistic and 24 neurotypical children while they stood on a force plate for 30 seconds under three conditions: eyes open (EO), eyes closed (EC), and the feet on a foam pad with eyes open (EOF).
• A total of 75 variables were extracted from the CoP trajectory, including frequential, linear, and non-linear variables.
• Of the 75 variables analyzed, 15 showed significant differences between the autistic and neurotypical groups.
• The best-subsets analysis and Pearson correlations revealed that variables such as the rate of change between the EOF and EO conditions, and the root mean square of the trembling component of the CoP trajectory, were particularly discriminative.
• Autistic children demonstrated a more rigid and regular CoP trajectory, particularly in the EO condition, compared to neurotypical children.
• The research concluded that autistic children have greater difficulty integrating multisensory information and an increased reliance on supraspinal processes for postural control.

Statistics:

• 24 autistic children and 24 neurotypical children were evaluated in the study.
• 75 variables were extracted from the CoP trajectory.
• 15 of the 75 variables showed significant differences between the autistic and neurotypical groups.
• The best-subsets analysis identified 2-3 variables as the most discriminative for postural control, including the rate of change between the EOF and EO conditions and the root mean square of the trembling component of the CoP trajectory.

Sources:

• NewsRx. University of Poitiers Reports Findings in Autism (Postural Control in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: What are the Most Striking Specificities and How Can They be Quantified?). Pediatrics Week. May 10, 2025; p 647.
• Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. Postural Control in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: What are the Most Striking Specificities and How Can They be Quantified?. Springer|plenum Publishers, 233 Spring St, New York, NY 10013, USA.