Relationships Between Gross Motor Skills and Social Function in Young Boys With Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Jamie M Holloway, Toby M Long, Fred Biasini
PMID 29727358WHAT IT FOUND
Better gross motor scores, especially ball skills and stability, were moderately associated with better parent-reported social function in young boys with autism.
This is a relationship, not proof motor training improves social skills.
Key findings
01Overall gross motor ability showed moderate positive correlations with social function: PDMS-2 GMQ r=.644 and overall M-FUN scaled score r=.637, both p<.01.
02In regression models, each missed M-FUN Stability item was associated with a 4.47-point lower social score, and each 1-point higher PDMS-2 Object Manipulation score was associated with a 5.13-point higher social score.
03Children with mild-to-moderate ASD severity had higher motor scores than children with severe ASD: PDMS-2 GMQ mean 78.9 versus 66.3, and M-FUN scaled mean 6.38 versus 2.63.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
Only 21 children were analysed, and the only girl was excluded, so results apply mainly to preschool boys. The study used one visit and only measured relationships, so it cannot show that motor skills cause social function or that improving motor skills will improve social skills. Social function came from parent report, and parents knew the study purpose, which could bias ratings. Motor test administrators were not blinded to the study purpose. Intelligence quotient was not measured, so cognitive ability may have influenced the results. Children who could not follow directions well enough for motor testing were excluded. The sample was a small convenience sample, limiting generalizability.
Declared interests
The paper lists NIH extramural and non-U.S. government research support. No author conflict-of-interest statement is provided in the supplied text.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that improving stability or ball skills will improve social skills. The study measured relationships at one time and the authors state no causal inferences can be made.