Balance, TMJ, Social Adaptive Assessment in Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Recruiting

• Conditions: Autism Spectrum Disorder; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders; Postural; Defect

• Registration Number: NCT06721104
• Lead Sponsor: Kırıkkale University

Brief Summary

The aim of our study is to evaluate temporomandibular joint (TMJ), cervical posture, balance, dual-task performance, and social adaptation skills in individuals with autism. The study will be conducted at Bartın Lider Special Education and Rehabilitation Center following the approval of the ethics committee. Individuals determined by the sample size calculated through power analysis will be included in the study. First, the socio-demographic characteristics (age, height, body weight, body mass index, education level, exercise and smoking habits, etc.) of the participants who voluntarily join the study will be recorded. Participants will be divided into two groups: individuals with typical motor development and those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and the same assessment tools will be used for both groups. Individuals with typical motor development will serve as the control group.

The assessment tools include the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, the 10-Meter Walk Test, the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale, the PostureScreen Android-based posture assessment application, and the Helkimo Clinical Dysfunction Index for craniomandibular disorders. Based on the evaluation results, the relationships between TMJ, cervical posture, functional balance, dual-task performance, and social adaptation skills in individuals with autism will be analyzed and compared with those of individuals with typical motor development.

Detailed Description

It has been stated in the literature that individuals with autism spectrum disorder have postural control deficiency, but there is no study examining the dual task skills of these individuals and the contribution of these skills to social life.

It has been stated in the literature that bruxism can cause TMJ in individuals with normal development, and there are studies related to TMJ's cervical problems and balance. However, there are no studies explaining the relationship between teeth grinding and dental problems in individuals with ASD, temporomandibular joint problems and cervical posture and balance.

Studies suggest that multi-faceted evaluations be made in individuals with ASD. The aim of our study is to evaluate TMJ dysfunction, cervical posture, functional balance, dual task and social adaptation skills in individuals with ASD. In terms of these evaluations, our study has the feature of a pilot study in the literature.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2024-02-15
• Study First Submitted: 2024-11-25
• Status Verified: 2024-12
• Study First Submitted QC: 2024-12-05
• Last Update Submitted: 2024-12-05
• Study First Posted: 2024-12-06
• Last Update Posted: 2024-12-06
• Primary Completion: 2025-01-01
• Study Completion: 2025-05-25

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 23

Inclusion Criteria

• Having a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) confirmed by a physician.
• Currently enrolled in a special education and rehabilitation center.
• No vision problems.
• Ability to understand and follow instructions.
• No cognitive impairments.
• No walking difficulties.

Exclusion Criteria

• Individuals with comorbid secondary health conditions.
• Individuals who have undergone surgery in the past six months.

Study & Design

• Study Type: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Design: Not specified

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Cervical Posture Assessment	At enrollment	Android-based PostureScreen Mobile (version 8.5, developed by Posture CO.inc. USA) application will be used for cervical posture assessment. The application evaluates the static posture of individuals

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Assessment:	At enrollment	Helkimo Clinical Craniomandibular Index will be used for TMJ evaluation. This index consists of 5 subsections: pain on muscle palpation, pain on TMJ palpation, pain in mandibular functions, TMJ functions (sound, gliding at maximum extension, luxation and/or locking) and the capacity of mandibular movement.
Social Adaptation Assessment:	At enrollment	Adaptive behavior will be assessed with the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales. It is a parent interview designed to assess functioning in daily life.
Functional Balance	At enrollment	It will be assessed with the TUG test. The TUG ready measures the time it takes for an individual to get up from a chair, walk a distance of 3 meters, turn around, walk back to the chair and sit down again after the start signal.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Kırıkkale Universty; 🇹🇷 Kırıkkale, Turkey