The Effect of a Period of Selected Exercises Over Soft and Hard Surfaces on the Static Balance of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a selected exercise period on soft and hard surfaces on the static balance of children with autism spectrum disorder. Twenty children with autism spectrum disorder (age 7.8±2.81 years) were selected by use of convenience sampling from Ordibehesht Autism Center of Isfahan. Then, they were matched for age, sex, height, weight and autism index and assigned into two groups of 10 persons whom exercised on a soft surface and hard surface. They participated in a period of selected balance exercises for 24 sessions (three times a week). Static balance of these children was evaluated in the pretest and post-test by assessing the amount of displacement of the center of pressure in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions while standing on the Foot Scan for 18 seconds. To analyze the data, the mixed (2 × 2) variance analysis was used (p <0.05).  The results showed that static balance with open eyes of both groups improved significantly after the intervention. However, there was not significant difference between the two groups of exercise on the soft and hard surfaces. Exercise on surfaces with different stiffness improves the balance of children with autism spectrum disorder by reinforcement of the proprioceptors.