Dynamic Postural Control in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review.

Abstract

Dynamic postural control provides functioning, independence, and quality of life.

Objective: to estimate the extent to which dynamic postural control (O) is affected in children with ASD (P/E) in comparison to their typically developing peers (C), summarizing the findings and answering the following research question: How is the postural control of children with ASD affected when facing dynamic tasks?

Methods: The search was conducted using the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, EMBASE. Studies addressing the postural control involving dynamic stability in children and adolescents with ASD and their typical peers were selected.

Results: Thirteen studies, published between 2005 and 2024, eight of which presented good methodological quality and five, fair ones, fulfilled the inclusion/exclusion criteria. We determined that dynamic postural control in ASD is affected by neuromotor deficits, such as reduced postural stability. Increased vulnerability to changes in body alignment and center of pressure results in compensatory movements to maintain posture.

Conclusion: Children with ASD present impaired dynamic postural control, reduced stability, greater vulnerability to changes in body alignment, and the use of specific compensatory mechanisms to keep posture and avoid falls. Further studies should address the impact of sensory information, age, cognition, and support level on dynamic postural control.