Comparison of Dynamic Balance under Dual and Simple Task Conditions in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Abstract

Abstract.[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to make a comparison of dynamic balance ability between dual and simple task conditions. [Subjects and Methods] Nine children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (9.00 ± 2.12 years) and 10 healthy children (9.67 ± 2.75 years) were recruited. Each group was asked to do an obstacle crossing alone and the obstacle crossing combined with a stimulus response task. The Qualisys motion capture system was used to capture full-body motion. The parameters measured included crossing speed, step width, and reaction time.[Results] Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder had greater problems than controls in performing the primary balance task while concurrently completing the auditory reaction time task and showed greater variability in step width and a longer reaction time. The balance scores assessed using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children test were significantly worse in the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder group and were significantly correlated to the crossing reaction time and variance of crossing speeds.[Conclusion] The attention deficit hyperactivity disorder group preferred to complete the obstacle crossings before responding to the stimulus. This resulted in a longer reaction time for the secondary task and also changed the gait strategy.

Comparative gait analysis between children with autism and age-matched controls: analysis with temporal-spatial and foot pressure variables

“…Vilensky et al 9 ) reported results similar to ours, as the stance time was statistically longer for the autistic group than for the control group. However, Calhoun et al 2 ) reported opposite results to those of our study, as they reported that cadence was higher for the autistic group than for the control group aged between 5 and 9 years (mean age, 6.3 years; mean height, 121.0 cm; mean weight, 29.3 kg).…”

“…Previous studies demonstrated various locomotor skills and gait problems associated autism due to a lack of postural control, stability, and balance, as well as due to coordination impairments 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ) . Calhoun and associates 2 ) reported that hypotonia, muscle rigidity, akinesia, bradykinesia, and postural control impairments can lead to unstable and abnormal movements during daily activities.…”

Effect of dual-task training on postural stability in children with infantile hemiparesis

“…This means that recruitment of these structures can compensate for inefficient BG 28 , 29 ) . Chen et al 30 ) compared the between effects of simple versus dual-task training on dynamic balance but in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder as they found it effective in favour to dual-task training. Future studies should investigate the effect of various cognitive skills on balance through postural sway 31 ) .…”

Sensory processing dysfunction among Saudi children with and without autism

“…Moreover, it has been observed that children with autism exhibit problematic behaviors such as irritability, lethargy, stereotypy, and hyperactivity 8 ) . Sensory and motor problems often present additional challenges to children with developmental problems 9 ) .…”