The Effects of Selected Spark Exercises on Balance and Coordination in Autistic Children: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of selected spark exercises on balance and coordination in autistic children. This study was semi-experimental. 12 autistic children (mean age 5-12 years) participated in this study. The subjects performed the intervention for 3 months based on selected spark exercises. The participants were evaluated in 3 stages (baseline, pretest and posttest) by Bruininks-Oseretsky test in terms of motor skills. Friedman test was used to analyze repeated measures of nonparametric data. The results showed that selected spark exercises significantly improved dynamic balance (P<0.001) and bilateral coordination (P<0.001). It can be generally stated that these selected spark exercises have a positive effect on the improvement of motor deficiencies in autistic children.

Keywords

• autistic children
• balance
• coordination
• fundamental exercises
• spark exercises