Biofeedback-Based, Videogame Balance Training in Autism

• Published in: Journal of autism and developmental disorders Vol. 48; no. 1; pp. 163 - 175
• Main Authors: Travers, Brittany G., Mason, Andrea H., Mrotek, Leigh Ann, Ellertson, Anthony, Dean, Douglas C., Engel, Courtney, Gomez, Andres, Dadalko, Olga I., McLaughlin, Kristine
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 2018; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Autism; Balance; Behavioral Science and Psychology; Biofeedback; Care and treatment; Child and School Psychology; Complications and side effects; Computer & video games; Efficacy; Equilibrium (Physiology); Feedback; Intelligence tests; Intervention; Moderators; Neurosciences; Original Paper; Participant Satisfaction; Pediatrics; Pervasive Developmental Disorders; Positive Behavior Supports; Posture; Predictor Variables; Psychological aspects; Psychology; Psychomotor Skills; Public Health; Repetitive behaviour; Stereotypes; Training Methods; Video Games; Visual Aids; Youth; Youth Programs; United States; Video game; Technology-based interventions; Motor; Postural stability
• ISSN: 0162-3257; 1573-3432
• DOI: 10.1007/s10803-017-3310-2

The present study examined the effects of a visual-based biofeedback training on improving balance challenges in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Twenty-nine youth with ASD (7–17 years) completed an intensive 6-week biofeedback-based videogame balance training. Participants exhibited training-related balance improvements that significantly accounted for postural-sway improvements outside of training. Participants perceived the training as beneficial and enjoyable. Significant moderators of training included milder stereotyped and ritualistic behaviors and better starting balance. Neither IQ nor BMI moderated training. These results suggest that biofeedback-based balance training is associated with balance improvements in youth with ASD, most robustly in those with less severe repetitive behaviors and better starting balance. The training was perceived as motivating, further suggesting its efficacy and likelihood of use.