The Relationship of Core Strength with Static and Dynamic Balance in Children with Autism

Autism represents a disorder of neural development characterized by 3 features including deficit in social communication, inflexibility of speech and behavior, and stereotyped movements. The prevalence of this disorder has been reported about 1.5 per 100 individuals in Iran. Individuals with ASDs are susceptible to weakness in balance and stability and also postural deformities. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between core strength and balance in children with autism. The subjects included 32 boys with ASDs aged 6-10 (mean and standard deviation of 8.16 +/- 1.16 years, 124.81 +/- 11.56 cm in height, 33.02 +/- 7.72 kg weight and body mass index 21.12 +/- 3.14 kg/m(2)). They were selected according to available sampling method. In order to assess the maximum isometric strength of hip abduction and external rotation, manual muscle test dynamometer was used. Static and dynamic balance were also tested by modified stork standing test and walking heel to toe test, respectively. The results showed that there is no correlation between core strength and static balance in dominant and non-dominant leg, but there is a significant correlation between dynamic balance and core strength. According to the results, it is recommended that development of parameters related to the core body strength to be emphasized for improving balance in such children.