GAIT ANALYSIS IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM USING TEMPORAL-SPATIAL AND FOOT PRESSURE VARIABLES

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate gait patterns of children with autism using temporal-spatial and foot pressure variables. A total of 30 children participated; 15 autistic children and 15 age matched controls. Group differences were tested using an independent t-test performed by SPSS. The cadence and step/extremity ratio was significantly lower for the experimental group than the control group. The step width was wider; while cycle time, double support time, stance time was longer for the experimental group. The active pressure area and maximum pressure in the hind foot were lower for the experimental group. There were reduced gait velocities and reduced pressure areas in the hind foot and mid foot.