Comparison of Task-Oriented Motor Training and Sensory Integration Technique on Balance and Gait in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.68279/qzmh5t65Keywords:
Autism Spectrum Disorder; Exercise Therapy; Gait; Postural Balance; Quality of Life; RehabilitationAbstract
Background: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may experience balance and gait difficulties, but comparative evidence for motor rehabilitation approaches remains limited. Objective: To compare Task-Oriented Motor Training (TOMT) and Sensory Integration Technique (SIT) for balance, gait, and health-related quality of life. Methods: A single-centre randomized controlled trial at Rehabilitation Centre, Lahore, Pakistan, allocated 40 children aged 5–12 years to TOMT or a structured sensory-motor SIT programme (20 per group). Both groups received three sessions weekly for eight weeks. Outcomes were the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), Observational Gait Scale (OGS), and parent-proxy Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL). Analysis of covariance adjusted post-intervention comparisons for baseline scores. Results: All participants completed follow-up. Adjusted differences favoured TOMT for PBS (3.54 points; 95% CI 0.38–6.71; p=0.029) and OGS (1.76 points; 95% CI 0.35–3.16; p=0.016). Only OGS remained statistically significant at the post hoc Bonferroni threshold of 0.025. The PedsQL difference was not statistically significant (4.10 points; 95% CI −1.27 to 9.47; p=0.130). Conclusion: TOMT demonstrated a short-term comparative advantage for observed gait performance, with less robust evidence for balance and no established quality-of-life advantage. Clinical importance remains uncertain. Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder; Exercise Therapy; Gait; Postural Balance; Quality of Life; Rehabilitation.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Abira Imtiaz, Muhammad Naveed Babur, Saima Riaz (Author)
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