Temporal Aspects of Gait in Autism

Background:  

Atypical gait is often seen in children with Autism Spectrun Disorders (ASD), although there are incosistencies of results with regards to how specific gait parameters associate with ASD. The idea that gait analysis might be useful in diagnosis of ASD is therefore currently debatable. Different methods of measurent of multiple aspects of gait, at different sensitivities across studies may account for some of these inconsistencies. This study investigates exclusively high resolution temporal measures of gait in ASD.

Objectives:  

To compare temporal aspects of gait in typically developing individuals and those with ASD. To obtain high resolution, exclusively temporal measurements of gait for the two sample groups. To consider possible diagnostic value of the findings.

Methods:  

Using Vicon MX and 12 MXF40 motion capture systems sampling at 250Hz, Duration of step, stance and swing were assessed in 16 participants with High Functioning Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) (7-35yr), and 16 age matched Typically Developing (TD) controls. Participants performed multiple straight-ahead walks, aimed to capture seven strides suitable for data analysis. Strides were selected mid-walk, once walking rhythm was established and before deceleration. Mean and coefficient of variation(CoV) for each gait parameter was calculated.

Results:  

No significant difference was found between the ASD and TD groups in terms of the average stride, stance or swing duration. However, analysis of CoV values showed a significant difference in temporal variability of step, stance and swing between the 2 groups (p<0.001), with the HFA group having higher CoV for each parameter. There was also significant difference in left vs right foot variability of these measures for the HFA group compared to TD controls.

Conclusions:  

The results of this investigation suggest temporal analysis of aspects of gait as a possible biometric in ASD research and diagnosis.