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King C, Rogers LG, Jansen J, Sivayokan B, Neyhard J, Warnes E, Hall SE, Plakke B. Adolescent treadmill exercise enhances hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression and improves cognition in autism-modeled rats. Physiol Behav 2024; 284:114638. [PMID: 39004196 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2024.114638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by repetitive behaviors and altered communication abilities. Exercise is a low-cost intervention that could improve cognitive function and improve brain plasticity mechanisms. Here, the valproic acid (VPA) model was utilized to induce ASD-like phenotypes in rodents. Animals were exercised on a treadmill and performance was evaluated on a cognitive flexibility task. Biomarkers related to exercise and plasticity regulation were quantified from the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and skeletal muscle. Exercised VPA animals had higher levels of hippocampal BDNF compared to sedentary VPA animals and upregulated antioxidant enzyme expression in skeletal muscle. Cognitive improvements were demonstrated in both sexes, but in different domains of cognitive flexibility. This research demonstrates the benefits of exercise and provides evidence that molecular responses to exercise occur in both the central nervous system and in the periphery. These results suggest that improving regulation of BDNF via exercise, even at low intensity, could provide better synaptic regulation and cognitive benefits for individuals with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cole King
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA
| | - Liza G Rogers
- Anatomy and Physiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA
| | - Jeremy Jansen
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA
| | - Bhavana Sivayokan
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA
| | - Jenna Neyhard
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA
| | - Ellie Warnes
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA
| | - Stephanie E Hall
- Anatomy and Physiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA
| | - Bethany Plakke
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA.
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Valagussa G, Purpura G, Balatti V, Trentin L, Signori A, Grossi E. Quantitative assessment of tip-toe behavior in individuals with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability: A cross-sectional study. Autism Res 2024; 17:311-323. [PMID: 38108559 DOI: 10.1002/aur.3072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The term "toe walking" describes walking on the toes with a lack of heel strike upon initiation of the stance phase of gait. In individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), this phenomenon, or "tip-toe behavior" (TTB), can be present in a substantial proportion of subjects even during standing. In this study, we investigated TTB in 50 persons with ASD (age range 4-26 years). We evaluated TTB through an observational/report-based assessment protocol. Subsequently, we employed a new structured video-based coding protocol based on standardized video recordings, focusing on static and dynamic conditions. Finally, the findings of the two protocols were compared. Twenty-four subjects with TTB were identified and classified according to three functional groups: TTB1, present only during running (6 subjects); TTB2, present during walking and running (11 subjects); and TTB3, present during standing, walking, and running (7 subjects). Moreover, we found that TTB3 subjects exhibited a significantly higher quantity of TTB compared with subjects in the TTB1 and TTB2 groups during both standing and walking tests. Additionally, a high quantity of TTB in the static test was found to be related to a high quantity of TTB in the dynamic test. Variables such as age, autism severity, intellectual disability, and gender were not significantly associated with the mean percent of TTB both in static and dynamic tests in multivariate analysis. This structured video-based coding approach appears feasible and useful for assessing TTB in individuals with ASD and it has the potential to provide insights into TTB trajectories and aid in designing possible interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Valagussa
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Autism Research Unit, Villa S. Maria Foundation, Tavernerio (CO), Italy
| | - Giulia Purpura
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Balatti
- Autism Research Unit, Villa S. Maria Foundation, Tavernerio (CO), Italy
| | - Luca Trentin
- Autism Research Unit, Villa S. Maria Foundation, Tavernerio (CO), Italy
| | - Alessio Signori
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Biostatistics, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Enzo Grossi
- Autism Research Unit, Villa S. Maria Foundation, Tavernerio (CO), Italy
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Ben Hassen I, Abid R, Ben Waer F, Masmoudi L, Sahli S, Driss T, Hammouda O. Intervention Based on Psychomotor Rehabilitation in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder ASD: Effect on Postural Control and Sensory Integration. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1480. [PMID: 37761443 PMCID: PMC10529430 DOI: 10.3390/children10091480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Postural stability and control are essential motor skills for successfully performing various activities of daily living. However, children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit significant sensorimotor impairments. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of psychomotricity training on postural control (PC) of children with ASD. We recruited thirty children (age = 8.01 ± 1.2; weight = 31.66 ± 8.1 kg; height = 129.7 ± 10.8 cm) diagnosed with ASD (intellectual quotient > 50) to participate in this study. They were divided into two groups: the experimental group (n = 16) and control group (n = 14). Children in the experimental group were trained with psychomotor activities two times a week for nine weeks. Statistic postural balance was assessed before and after intervention and on different vision conditions. The results showed that the psychomotor training significantly improved PC in standing position under different conditions when compared to the control group, in all parameters (CoPA; CoPLX; CoPLy) (p < 0.01). Our preliminary findings suggest the usefulness of the psychomotor training in children with ASD on static PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imen Ben Hassen
- Research Laboratory, Molecular Bases of Human Pathology, LR19ES13, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sfax, Sfax 3026, Tunisia; (I.B.H.); (O.H.)
| | - Rihab Abid
- Research Unit, Physical Activity, Sport and Health, UR18JS01, National Observatory of Sport, Tunis 1003, Tunisia;
| | - Fatma Ben Waer
- Research Laboratory, Education Motricité Sport et Santé EM2S LR19JS01, High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax 3000, Tunisia; (F.B.W.); (L.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Liwa Masmoudi
- Research Laboratory, Education Motricité Sport et Santé EM2S LR19JS01, High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax 3000, Tunisia; (F.B.W.); (L.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Sonia Sahli
- Research Laboratory, Education Motricité Sport et Santé EM2S LR19JS01, High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax 3000, Tunisia; (F.B.W.); (L.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Tarak Driss
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory in Neurosciences, Physiology and Psychology: Physical Activity, Health and Learning (LINP2), UPL, UFR STAPS, Paris Nanterre University, 92001 Nanterre, France
| | - Omar Hammouda
- Research Laboratory, Molecular Bases of Human Pathology, LR19ES13, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sfax, Sfax 3026, Tunisia; (I.B.H.); (O.H.)
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory in Neurosciences, Physiology and Psychology: Physical Activity, Health and Learning (LINP2), UPL, UFR STAPS, Paris Nanterre University, 92001 Nanterre, France
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Valagussa G, Purpura G, Nale A, Pirovano R, Mazzucchelli M, Grossi E, Perin C. Sensory Profile of Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Tip-Toe Behavior: Results of an Observational Pilot Study. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9091336. [PMID: 36138645 PMCID: PMC9497722 DOI: 10.3390/children9091336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Atypical sensory processing is frequently reported in persons with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and it is one of the described diagnostic criteria for ASD. There is also mounting literature supporting the presence of motor impairments in individuals with ASD. Among these motor signs, tip-toe behavior (TTB) is a possible clinical finding, but its etiology is not clearly understood. It is suggested that TTB in ASD could be a sign of a sensory modulation impairment, but evidence is lacking and controversial. The main aim of this pilot study is to explore sensory features in a sample (4 females; 28 males) of children and adolescents with ASD (age range: 7-18). All participants also presented Intellectual Disability. Participants were divided in two groups, matched for age and gender, on the basis of the presence or absence of TTB (16 ASD TTB group vs. 16 ASD NO-TTB group) and then evaluated by using the Short Sensory Profile. We found that both ASD groups tend to significantly present sensory-related behavioral symptoms, but ASD TTB individuals more frequently showed the specific pattern of "under responsive/seeks sensation" than ASD NO-TTB individuals. These preliminary findings support that sensory-motor features might be taken into consideration when rehabilitation for TTB in children and adolescents with ASD is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Valagussa
- Autism Research Unit, Villa S. Maria Foundation, Tavernerio, 22100 Como, Italy
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Giulia Purpura
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Alessandra Nale
- Autism Research Unit, Villa S. Maria Foundation, Tavernerio, 22100 Como, Italy
| | - Rita Pirovano
- Autism Research Unit, Villa S. Maria Foundation, Tavernerio, 22100 Como, Italy
| | - Miryam Mazzucchelli
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Enzo Grossi
- Autism Research Unit, Villa S. Maria Foundation, Tavernerio, 22100 Como, Italy
| | - Cecilia Perin
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Valagussa G, Piscitelli D, Baruffini S, Panzeri V, Perin C, Mazzucchelli M, Cornaggia CM, Pellicciari L, Grossi E. Little Evidence for Conservative Toe Walking Interventions in Autism Spectrum Disorders: a Systematic Review. REVIEW JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40489-022-00329-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
AbstractThis systematic review summarizes the evidence about toe walking (TW) interventions in persons with autism. Following the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, The Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and Opengrey was performed. Nine articles (all case reports or case series) were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the Mayo Evidence-Based Practice Centre tool. The included studies considered 17 subjects (16 males; age range: 4–15 years). All studies reported a reduction of TW frequency, but the follow-up was lacking in seven studies. There is a lack of high-quality studies with a sufficiently large and well-characterized sample to assess the effectiveness of TW interventions in autistic persons. These findings strongly support the need for further research in this area.
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Perin C, Valagussa G, Mazzucchelli M, Gariboldi V, Cerri CG, Meroni R, Grossi E, Cornaggia CM, Menant J, Piscitelli D. Physiological Profile Assessment of Posture in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Typically Developing Peers. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10100681. [PMID: 32992546 PMCID: PMC7601261 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10100681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
A sound postural system requires sensorimotor integration. Evidence suggests that individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) present sensorimotor integration impairments. The Physiological Profile Assessment (PPA) can be used to evaluate postural capacity assessing five physiological subsets (i.e., vision, reaction time, peripheral sensation, lower limb strength, balance); however, no studies applied the PPA in young individuals. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the PPA in children and adolescents with ASD compared with age-matched typically developing (TD) individuals and examine the relationship between the PPA subset within the ASD and TD participants according to different age groups. Percentiles from the PPA were obtained from the TD children and adolescents (n = 135) for each test. Performances of the individuals with ASD (n = 18) were examined relative to the TD percentiles. ASD participants' scores were above the 90th percentile (i.e., poor performance) in most sensory, motor and balance parameters. Performance in most of the PPA tests significantly improved with older age in the TD group but not in the ASD group. The study findings support the use of the PPA in TD children and adolescents while further research should investigate postural capacity in a larger ASD sample to enhance the understanding of sensorimotor systems contributing to compromised postural control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Perin
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy; (G.V.); (M.M.); (V.G.); (C.G.C.); (C.M.C.); (D.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0362-986-446; Fax: +39-0362-986-439
| | - Giulio Valagussa
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy; (G.V.); (M.M.); (V.G.); (C.G.C.); (C.M.C.); (D.P.)
- Autism Research Unit, “Villa Santa Maria” Foundation, 22038 Como, Italy;
| | - Miryam Mazzucchelli
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy; (G.V.); (M.M.); (V.G.); (C.G.C.); (C.M.C.); (D.P.)
| | - Valentina Gariboldi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy; (G.V.); (M.M.); (V.G.); (C.G.C.); (C.M.C.); (D.P.)
- ASST Rhodense, Ospedale “G. Salvini”, 20024 Milan, Italy
| | - Cesare Giuseppe Cerri
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy; (G.V.); (M.M.); (V.G.); (C.G.C.); (C.M.C.); (D.P.)
| | - Roberto Meroni
- Department of Physiotherapy, LUNEX International University of Health, Exercise and Sports, Differdange, 4671 Luxembourg, Luxembourg;
| | - Enzo Grossi
- Autism Research Unit, “Villa Santa Maria” Foundation, 22038 Como, Italy;
| | - Cesare Maria Cornaggia
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy; (G.V.); (M.M.); (V.G.); (C.G.C.); (C.M.C.); (D.P.)
| | - Jasmine Menant
- Neuroscience Research Australia and School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia;
| | - Daniele Piscitelli
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy; (G.V.); (M.M.); (V.G.); (C.G.C.); (C.M.C.); (D.P.)
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y5, Canada
- School of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, Pacific University, Hillsboro, OR 97123, USA
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