자폐스펙트럼 장애 아동의 장애물 높이에 따른 보행 특성

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze kinematic strategies of children with autism spectrum disorder(ASD) in comparison to normal children in terms of obstacle crossing with two different heights. Ten children with ASD (age: 8~13, IQ: 50~80) and 10 age matched normal children (age: 8~13, IQ: above 90) participated in the study. Two different obstacle heights were used; 1) 5cm similar height of threshold and door sill of bath room, and 2) 15cm such as precast pavers in everyday life. The result indicated that ASD children crossed the obstacle through high foot clearance and short take off and landing distance with relatively large foot abduction as compared with normal children. In addition, the time delay in children with ASD before obstacle crossing was longer than normal children, and variability of COM in medial/lateral was greater for children with ASD. In conclusion, the findings of this study suggest that impairments of balance and coordination in children with ASD were more vulnerable in situations that require increased gait challenges such as stepping over an obstacle, reducing their capability to plan and execute avoidance behaviors. Future research need to consider the rehabilitation program for children with ASD that may improve their balance capacity.