The position of the ankle and foot is known as foot posture, and this can have an impact on balance and mobility. Previous research has shown that differences in foot structure and posture between different populations can have a significant impact on balance. However, to our knowledge, no study has examined the relationship between foot posture, anthropometry, muscle strength, and balance in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This study was therefore designed to analyse these relationships.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
22
Children with ASD underwent balance and foot measurement tests that they could perform only by following instructions.
University of Health Sciences
Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye)
Foot Posture Assessment
Foot Posture Assessment: Children's foot posture will be assessed using the Foot Posture Index (FPI-6), which is valid for pediatric individuals. The Foot Posture Index is a scale consisting of a total of 6 items related to the posture of the rear foot and forefoot. These items are talar head palpation, the position of the inclinations above and below the lateral malleolus, the position of the calcaneus, ballooning in the talonavicular joint region, the structure of the medial longitudinal arch, and the abduction/adduction of the forefoot relative to the rearfoot. The total score in this assessment tool ranges from -12 to 12.
Time frame: Baseline
Timed Up and Go (TUG) test
Timed Up and Go (TUG) test: For this test, individuals are seated in a chair. The individual is asked to stand up from the chair without assistance, walk three meters on the marked floor, walk back to the chair, and sit down again. The stopwatch is started with the "start" command and stopped when the individual sits down. The TUG time is recorded in seconds (s).
Time frame: Baseline
One-Leg Standing Test
One-Leg Standing Test: During this test, which is used to assess an individual's static balance, the subject will be asked to lift one leg without touching the supporting leg, keeping their eyes open, and the time spent on one leg will be recorded in seconds.
Time frame: Baseline
Foot-Ankle Anthropometric Measurements
Foot-Ankle Anthropometric Measurements: For the foot-ankle anthropometry of patients, foot length (cm), metatarsal width (cm), and navicular drop height (cm) will be assessed with and without body weight applied to the foot.
Time frame: Baseline
Foot Muscle Strength
Foot Muscle Strength: Foot plantar flexion and dorsiflexion muscle strength will be assessed using a digital hand dynamometer.
Time frame: Baseline
Tandem Walking Test
Tandem Walking Test: The tandem walking test is used to assess dynamic balance. The subject will be asked to walk along a line drawn on the floor, with the heel of one foot touching the toe of the other foot. The duration of the tandem walk will be measured for each walk, consisting of 10 steps. If balance is lost and the participant is unable to complete 10 steps, the number of steps taken and the duration will be recorded.
Time frame: Baseline
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.