Influence of Rhythm and Interpersonal Relationship on Gait Parameters in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Influence of Rhythm and Interpersonal Relationship on Gait Parameters in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Controlled Intervention Study

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects social communication and motor coordination, with less synchrony with others and atypical gait patterns. Relationship with the adult or speed modify gait parameters in children diagnosed with ASD between 4 and 6 years old. Methodology: a cross-sectional observational design was carried out. The aim of this study was to analyze gait pattern variations in children with ASD in different speed conditions and modifying the social environment.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Intervention / Treatment: Procedure: Structured Walking Intervention for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Detailed Description

Study Design:

This is a quasi-experimental, cross-sectional study designed to assess the influence of rhythm and interpersonal relationships on gait parameters in children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The study involved 30 children, aged 4 to 6, diagnosed with ASD (level I or II), who demonstrated independent walking ability without assistive devices. The children were recruited from Fundación AMÁS, an early intervention center.

Intervention:

The study aimed to analyze the gait of children under three different speed conditions-normal (120 beats per minute), slow (100 beats per minute), and fast (140 beats per minute)-while walking alongside either a familiar adult or a stranger. The intervention involved the following steps:

Preparation: Each child was informed about the walking activity and the adult who would accompany them. They were instructed to walk alongside the adult for a distance of 10 meters.

Walking Conditions:

Walking with a Familiar Adult: Children walked alongside an adult they knew, maintaining the specified rhythm.

Walking with a Stranger: Children walked alongside an unfamiliar adult at the same designated rhythm.

Speed Variation: The rhythm was controlled using a metronome, which only the accompanying adult could hear. The adult was instructed to adjust their walking pace according to the specified rhythm while guiding the child.

Recording and Analysis: The walking sessions were recorded using a camera positioned at a lateral view, ensuring consistent height and distance. The central 2 meters of the 10-meter path were analyzed using Kinovea© software to assess gait parameters.

Outcome Measures:

The study sought to evaluate several dependent variables, including:

Stride Length: The distance covered with each step. Step Time: The duration of each step. Cadence: The number of steps taken per minute. Velocity: The speed of walking measured in meters per second. Joint Amplitudes: The angles at which the hip, knee, and ankle joints moved during each phase of the gait cycle.

Study Population:

The study included children with ASD who attended regular therapy sessions at Fundación AMÁS. Inclusion criteria required children to be between 4 and 6 years old, with a clinical diagnosis of ASD (level I or II), and the ability to walk independently. Exclusion criteria included any associated syndromes or recent lower-limb interventions.

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Actual): 30
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Spain
  • Madrid, Spain, 28670
    • Universidad Europea de Madrid

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Child
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children aged 4 to 6 years.
• Clinical diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (Level I or II).
• Ability to walk independently without the use of assistive devices.
• Parents or legal guardians provide informed consent for participation.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of other syndromes or developmental disorders.
• History of recent surgical interventions or procedures involving the lower limbs.
• Significant neurological or orthopedic conditions that may affect gait.
• Any contraindications for participation in physical activities as determined by the child's healthcare provider.

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Treatment
• Allocation: N/A
• Interventional Model: Single Group Assignment
• Masking: None (Open Label)

Number of Arms

1

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm

Intervention / Treatment

Experimental: Walking Intervention with Varying Speeds and Social Interaction in Children with Autism Spectrum Dis; This arm of the study focuses on a single group of participants consisting of 30 children aged 4 to 6 years diagnosed with ASD. The objective is to evaluate how varying walking speeds and social interactions influence gait parameters. Participants will engage in a structured walking intervention under three conditions: normal speed (120 bpm), slow speed (100 bpm), and fast speed (140 bpm). Each child will walk with two different types of adult companions: a familiar adult (e.g., caregiver) and an unfamiliar adult. This design allows for a comprehensive assessment of gait characteristics in response to different social contexts and pacing. Each child will complete a 10-meter walking task, with gait parameters such as stride length, step time, cadence, velocity, and joint amplitudes being recorded using video analysis software (Kinovea©).The results will contribute to understanding how children with ASD adapt their locomotion to social cues and varying speeds

Procedure: Structured Walking Intervention for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder; Participants: Thirty children with ASD will participate in the walking sessions. Conditions: Each child will walk under three different speed conditions: Normal Speed: 120 beats per minute (bpm) Slow Speed: 100 bpm Fast Speed: 140 bpm Social Interaction: Each child will walk with two different types of adult companions: Familiar Adult: A caregiver or individual known to the child. Unfamiliar Adult: An adult not known to the child. Procedure: The walking distance will be 10 meters. The adult will wear a metronome in an earbud to ensure that they maintain the prescribed walking speed, which the child will be instructed to follow. Each child will experience all combinations of walking speeds and social interactions, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of how these factors influence gait parameters. Gait Parameters: The following parameters will be recorded during each walking session using video analysis software (Kinovea©): Stride length Step time Cadence Velocity Joint amplitudes

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Cadence	The number of steps taken per minute.	Immediately before the intervention and immediately after the intervention on the same day

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Stride Length	The distance covered in a single step, measured in meters	Immediately before the intervention and immediately after the intervention on the same day
Step Time: The duration of each step, measured in seconds	The duration of each step, measured in seconds	Immediately before the intervention and immediately after the intervention on the same day
Velocity:	The speed of walking, measured in meters per second.	Immediately before the intervention and immediately after the intervention on the same day
Joint Amplitudes	The angles at which the hip, knee, and ankle joints move during each phase of the gait cycle, assessed in degrees	Immediately before the intervention and immediately after the intervention on the same day

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Universidad Europea de Madrid

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): May 1, 2024
• Primary Completion (Actual): July 31, 2024
• Study Completion (Actual): August 31, 2024

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: October 4, 2024
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: October 23, 2024
• First Posted (Actual): October 26, 2024

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): October 26, 2024
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: October 23, 2024
• Last Verified: October 1, 2024

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: autism; proprioception; stability; gait patterns; interpersonal relationship
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Mental Disorders; Neurodevelopmental Disorders; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Autistic Disorder; Child Development Disorders, Pervasive
• Other Study ID Numbers: ASD intervention

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO
• IPD Plan Description: Data Sensitivity: Given that the study focuses on a vulnerable population (children with Autism Spectrum Disorder), there are heightened concerns regarding the misuse or misinterpretation of the data.

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No
• product manufactured in and exported from the U.S.: No