Assessment Of Spinal Posture, Balance And Ankle Muscle Shortness İn Children With Autism

Assessment Of Spinal Posture, Balance And Ankle Muscle Shortness İn Children With Autism

The aim of this study is to evaluate spinal posture, mobility, balance and ankle muscle shortness in children with autism.

The study will feature two groups,

• First group will consist of children with autism
• Second group will consist of typically developing children

Childhood autism assessment scale will be completed with the families of the children included in the study. The tiptoe walking status of the children participating in the study will be observed and classified according to the tiptoe walking classification. Children's balance skills will be evaluated with pediatric berg balance test and timed get up and walk test, ankle muscle shortness will be evaluated with Gastro-Soleus shortness measurements, spinal posture and mobility will be evaluated with spinal mouse.

The evaluation results of both groups will be compared.

The main questions this study aims to answer are:

• Is spinal mobility decreased in children with autism compared to typically developing children?
• Is Thoracic kyphosis greater in children with autism compared to typically developing children?
• Are Balance skills poorer in children with autism compared to typically developing children?
• Does the severity of tiptoe walking increase as gastro-soleus muscle shortness increases?

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in the Special Needs Report for Children (ÇÖZGER)
• GMFCS level I or II
• Between the ages of 6-18
• IQ score of 50 or more as determined in the Special Needs Report for Children (ÇÖZGER)
• Volunteering to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having a rigid contracture of the columna vertebralis
• Having undergone scoliosis surgery
• Having a rigid contracture in passive knee extension and ankle range of motion
• History of surgery or botox affecting ankle joint range of motion in the last 6 months