SWOC Activities on Balance, Gait and Endurance in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Effects of Standardized Walking Obstacle Course (SWOC) Activities on Balance, Gait and Endurance in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder characterized by challenges in social communication, social interaction, repetitive behaviors, and restrictive interests.

Affecting 0.2-2% of children, ASD often includes motor growth retardation, which worsens over time. The disorder is more commonly diagnosed in boys, and its cause is believed to be genetic, with environmental stimuli potentially activating certain genes. This study aims to explore the effects of Standardized Walking Obstacle Course (SWOC) activities on balance, gait, and endurance in children with ASD, seeking to discover novel treatment techniques that could enhance clinical practices and improve motor skills in these children.

This randomized controlled trial will be conducted over 10 months, with data collected from the Lahore Autism Center and PSRD hospital in Lahore, Punjab. The sample will include 44 children with confirmed ASD, aged 8 to 12 years, divided into two groups: one undergoing SWOC activities and the other receiving conventional physiotherapy. Interventions will occur 4 days a week for 30-40 minutes each day. Pre- and post-treatment measurements will be taken using the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and Functional Gait Assessment (FGA).

Data will be analyzed using SPSS version 24, with statistical significance set at P = 0.05.

4 weeks treatment plan.

Group A: A randomized controlled trial investigate the effect of a standard walking obstacle course activities on balance, gait and endurance in children with ASD. Activity could include navigating obstacles of varying height and width balancing on beam, stepping over hurdles and walking on different surfaces. 2-3 times for 4 weeks. Balance beam Stepping stones Hurdle Markers Soft Mats Balance activities Gait and Endurance activities

Group B: Either receive no interventions or engages in a different form of physical activities that doesn't focus on balance gait and endurance e.g standard physical education activities like walking, running climbing, jumping along with applied behavioral therapy, speech therapy and customized physical therapy. 2-3 times for 4 weeks.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children with confirmed diagnosis of ASD.
• Age of patients 8 to 12 year.
• Both male and female.
• Fall less than 15 times in 30 seconds in Flamingo balance scale test.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe physical impairment.
• Severe intellectual impairment.
• Comorbid conditions that could prevent participation.