| Abstract [eng] |
Aim of the study: To determine which physiotherapy method(s) are the most effective in improving balance and coordination in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Objectives of the study: 1. To analyze physiotherapy methods discussed in the scientific literature that are applied to improve balance and coordination in children with autism spectrum disorder. 2. To compare the effects of different physiotherapy methods on the balance and coordination of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Research Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted. The search for scientific articles was carried out in the PubMed and Web of Science databases between January and April 2025. Following the source selection phase, six scientific studies were included in the systematic review, all of which examined the effects of physiotherapy on balance and coordination in children with autism spectrum disorder. The included articles were analyzed, and the following information was described: study characteristics, sample sizes and group distribution, characteristics of the applied interventions, research objectives, observed criteria, assessment methods used, and the results. Results: The studies reviewed demonstrated statistically significant and positive outcomes, including improvements in balance, posture, and/or motor skills, although the methods and measurements varied across some of the articles. In three out of six studies—Caldani et al. (2020), Roșca et al. (2022), and Hassen et al. (2023)—the evaluation of postural balance was based on measurements of center of pressure (COP) displacement in static standing positions. In the remaining three studies—Brittany et al. (2019), Milajerdi et al. (2021), and Draudvilienė et al. (2024)—the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, Second Edition (BOT-2), was used as the primary assessment tool. Certain differences were also observed. The applied interventions were diverse and often non-traditional. Some studies focused on game-based activities or biofeedback-supported video games, while others used physical exercises, psychomotor rehabilitation, or structured educational programs. Different statistical methods were employed across the studies: some researchers used ANOVA, while others used t-tests. Although all studies assessed balance, some placed greater emphasis on postural control (e.g., Caldani et al., 2020), and others explored broader aspects of physical and/or sensory integration (e.g., psychomotor rehabilitation in Hassen et al., 2023). Conclusions: Physiotherapy programs that incorporate physical exercises, smart technologies (such as Kinect, smart boards, video games), cognitive activities, and structured tasks improve balance and postural control in children with autism spectrum disorder. The most effective balance training methods for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder are physical exercises combined with video games (p < 0.001) and physical exercises performed on an unstable platform (p < 0.001). Less effective methods include the SPARK program with physical exercises (p < 0.01), the KINECT program (p < 0.01), physical exercises combined with cognitive activities (p < 0.01), and physical exercises using a smart board (p < 0.01). The least effective method for improving balance and coordination was a general physical exercise program (p < 0.021). |
