The Effect of Ball Exercises on Static and Dynamic Balance in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism spectrum disorders are neuro-developmental condition which is most prevalent among children in recent years. Children with autism spectrum disorders usually have mobility problems in postural control and balance. Balance is the one of basic ability in daily life. In this study researchers decided to investigation the effect of gym ball exercises on static and dynamic balance in children with autism spectrum disorders.
This study was an experimental with pre and posttests design and control grope. The population includes children with high functioning autism spectrum disorders from Farazdaghi exceptional school in Shiraz. 16 (males) subject were selected with access sampling method and after pre-test of static and dynamic balance were randomly placed in the experimental and control groups (each n = 8). Mean age of subjects were (8.2 ±2.9). Gym ball training intervention was applied in 24 sessions of 35 minutes. Flamingo test to measure static balance and walking on a balance board (WOBB) test, were used to measure dynamic balance.
In static balance, significant difference were found between control and experimental groups (U=1, Z= 3.256). In dynamic, there was no significant difference between the two groups (U= 26, Z= 0.630).
According to the results of this study it can be concluded that Gym ball training is effective on static balance in children with autism spectrum disorders.