EFFECTIVENESS OF VIRTUAL AND AUGMENTED REALITY-BASED INTERVENTIONS COMPARED WITH CONVENTIONAL PHYSIOTHERAPY FOR IMPROVING SENSORIMOTOR SKILLS IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER: A PILOT RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Abstract

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is linked to deficiencies in motor coordination, sensory processing, and sensorimotor integration, all of which can have a detrimental impact on independence in day-to day activities Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are emerging tools to enhance rehabilitation outcomes in paediatric populations. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of traditional physiotherapy with VR and AR-based training in enhancing sensorimotor and functional results in kids with ASD. Methods: Methods Twenty-four kids with ASD, ages 6 to 12, took part in the study and were split into two groups of twelve at random. Group B received traditional physiotherapy for 12 weeks; whereas Group A received training based on virtual reality and augmented reality. The 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS), Child Sensory Profile-2, Autism Motor Assessment Scale (AMAS) and salivary biomarkers (α amylase, cortisol, and serotonin) were among the outcome measurements. Evaluations were conducted both prior to and during the intervention period. Results: After the intervention, both groups showed statistically significant improvements. On the other hand, Group A showed more improvement. Group A saw improvements in daily living skills from 56.0±6.40 to 69.1±6.86, VABS communication from 58.1±6.54 to 68.6±4.76, AMAS score from 35.1±3.45 to 45.3±2.87, and 6MWT distance from 315.8±4.28 to 369.8±3.83. Salivary biomarker analysis revealed that serotonin rose from 59.1±3.40 to 94.3±3.73, while α-amylase (229.9±8.37 to 155.7±7.55) and cortisol (0.8±0.04 to 0.5±0.03) decreased. Group B also made progress, although it was less significant. Comparisons made after the intervention showed that Group A had considerably better results for every variable. Conclusion: In children with ASD, VR and AR-based training was more successful than traditional physiotherapy in enhancing sensorimotor skills, adaptive functioning, exercise tolerance, and stress-related biomarkers. These results lend credence to the application of immersive technologies in pediatric neurorehabilitation.