title: The effect of performing a dual task on postural control in children with autism.
abstract: The aim of the study was to explore the effect of eye movements (saccades and pursuits) on postural stability in children with autism versus typically developing children of comparable age. Postural stability was recorded with a platform (Techno Concept) in seven children with autism (mean age: 6 ± 0.8) while fixating a target or making saccades or pursuit eye movements. Data was compared to that of seven age-matched typically developing children. Surface area and mean speed of the center of pressure (CoP) were measured. Autistic children (AC) were more instable than typically developing children (TD), both in simple as well as dual task conditions. Performing a dual task thus affects AC and TD children in a different way. AC stability is not improved during saccades or pursuit eye movements in the dual task condition; in contrast, saccades significantly improve postural stability in TD children. The postural instability observed in AC during simple as well as dual task supports the hypothesis that such children have deficits in cerebellar functions.
authors: UMR 676 Inserm - Université Paris Diderot, Hôpital Robert Debré, 48 Bd Sérurier, 75019 Paris, France.
authors: Maria Pia
authors: MP
authors: Bucci
authors: C.R.E.D.A.T. Centre de Recherche et de Diagnostic de l'Austime et des Troubles Apparentés, Centre Hospitalier Sainte Anne, 1 rue Cabanis, 75674 Paris, Cédex 14, France.
authors: Catherine
authors: C
authors: Doyen
authors: C.R.E.D.A.T. Centre de Recherche et de Diagnostic de l'Austime et des Troubles Apparentés, Centre Hospitalier Sainte Anne, 1 rue Cabanis, 75674 Paris, Cédex 14, France ; Laboratoire de Psychologie et Processus de Santé, LPPS EA 4057, Université Paris Descartes, 92774 Boulogne-Billancourt Cedex, France.
authors: Yves
authors: Y
authors: Contenjean
authors: C.R.E.D.A.T. Centre de Recherche et de Diagnostic de l'Austime et des Troubles Apparentés, Centre Hospitalier Sainte Anne, 1 rue Cabanis, 75674 Paris, Cédex 14, France ; Laboratoire de Psychologie et Processus de Santé, LPPS EA 4057, Université Paris Descartes, 92774 Boulogne-Billancourt Cedex, France.
authors: Kelley
authors: 0000-0001-5219-1492
authors: K
authors: Kaye