Complexity of Center of Pressure in Postural Control for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders Was Partially Compromised.

The purpose of this study was to compare the complexity of postural control between children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and typical developing children during altered visual and somatosensory conditions using the multiscale entropy. Eleven children with ASD and 11 typical developing children were tested during quiet standing under four conditions: (1) eyes open and standing on a stable surface; (2) eyes open and standing on a compliant surface; (3) eyes closed and standing on a stable surface and (4) eyes closed and standing on a compliant surface. The COP data were collected and multiscale entropy and sway area of COP were calculated. The ASD group exhibited lower complexity in mediolateral sway compared to typical developing children with a large effect size (partial η2 = 0.21). However, based on the different postural control modes, the anteroposterior sway complexity did not demonstrate a similar decrease for children with ASD. The altered visual or somatosensory conditions alone did not significantly affect the postural sway complexity. We concluded that the complexity of postural control for children with ASD was partially compromised. Reduced mediolateral sway complexity could potentially increase the risks of fall.