Chiropractic management of toe-walking in an eight-year-old male diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder utilizing a functional approach: A case study.
J Bodyw Mov Ther 2021;
26:538-541. [PMID:
33992294 DOI:
10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.03.014]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this paper is to discuss the treatment of idiopathic toe-walking utilizing cognitive-motor dual-tasking and primitive reflex integration exercises.
METHODS
An eight-year-old child with the previous diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and idiopathic toe-walking presents for chiropractic care. The patient had previously received eight months of physical therapy in which his results plateaued after three months of care.
RESULTS
On the initial visit, the child was evaluated for primitive reflexes. The patient retained the asymmetrical tonic neck reflex and palmer grasp. He was prescribed exercises to integrate these reflexes. In the second visit and onwards, the patient was tasked with walking while performing a cognitive or motor task. The patient's performance of primitive reflex attenuation exercises significantly improved in form and timing, and the patient achieved proper gait mechanics with most interventions used.
CONCLUSION
Due to the limited number of visits, the patient was prescribed a cognitive task to help facilitate the retention of proper gait mechanics; however, these findings suggest that chiropractic management may prove useful in children who toe walk and that further investigation into treatment utilizing primitive reflex integration exercises for children with psychomotor delays is warranted. We suggest that the integration of primitive reflex testing for the chiropractor can yield many answers and serve as a valuable rehabilitation approach.
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