The Impact of Trampoline-Based Interventions on Autistic Children

New research supports what we’ve long believed at Balanced Creations Therapy & Trampoline: trampoline-based interventions can be an effective way to enhance motor proficiency in autistic children. A pre-print research article titled Inclusion Strategies: A Trampoline Program For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder showcases how incorporating trampolines into therapy routines can foster motor skill development, including coordination, balance, and muscle strength.

Study Overview

This study focused on 25 autistic children, aged between 4 and 11 years, recruited through the Portuguese Association for Autism Spectrum Disorders (APPDA). All participants were evaluated using the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2) and the standing long jump test, both at the beginning of the study (T1), halfway through (T2), and after the intervention period (T3).

The study design included two experimental groups:

• Experimental Group A (EGA): 6 children participated in a 32-week trampoline intervention program.

• Experimental Group B (EGB): 8 children participated in a 20-week trampoline intervention program.

Children in the control group, consisting of 11 participants, did not participate in any trampoline intervention but continued with their regular school activities.

Trampoline-Based Intervention Program

The intervention program was specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of autistic children. A focus was placed on individualization and adapting exercises to each child’s level of motor development. Here are the core components of the program:

• Initial Assessment: Each child’s motor skills were evaluated to customize the exercises according to their developmental needs.

• Minimizing Distractions: The program involved only two children at a time, avoiding external stimuli that could detract from their focus.

• Fun and Engagement: To maintain motivation, various engaging materials such as colored balls, bows, balloons, animal pictures, and numbers were incorporated into the sessions.

• Communication and Relational Skills: Verbal instructions were emphasized, with the goal of not only improving motor skills but also fostering communication development.

• Cognitive Stimulation: Multitasking activities were introduced to stimulate cognitive development, such as recognizing colors, numbers, and identifying objects while performing physical tasks.

• Motor Control and Coordination: Exercises required children to imitate movements and build both gross and fine motor coordination.

Each child participated in a 45-minute weekly session that utilized a variety of trampolines, including two mini-trampolines, a full-size trampoline, and two 80cm diameter trampolines. Initially, children were given time to become familiar with the equipment. As the sessions progressed, additional challenges were introduced, such as incorporating balls, bows, and strings into their jumps. Over time, the exercises became more complex, increasing in both difficulty and independence, all while introducing cognitive elements like counting and color recognition.

Each session also included a warm-up period to safely prepare the children for physical activity.

Results

The results of this study were promising. Children who participated in the 20- and 32-week trampoline programs showed significant improvements in their motor proficiency, as measured by the BOT-2 and the standing long jump test. These gains suggest that a minimum of 20 weeks of trampoline training can effectively enhance motor skills in autistic children. However, it’s worth noting that there were no significant changes in Body Mass Index (BMI) across any of the groups.

This research reinforces the idea that trampoline-based interventions can be a valuable tool for improving motor skills in Autistic children. The combination of fun, physical activity, and individualized support can lead to meaningful improvements in coordination, balance, and overall physical fitness.

How This Relates to Balanced Creations Therapy & Trampoline

At Balanced Creations, we offer a therapeutic trampoline program that’s rooted in these same principles. We create a safe, supportive environment where children can develop their motor skills while having fun. Our programs are designed to be inclusive and adaptive, taking into account the unique needs of each child. Whether you’re a parent looking for a play-based, child-led approach to pediatric physical therapy or a therapist seeking guidance on how to incorporate trampoline training into your practice, we’re here to help.

Interested in learning more? Give us a call today and let’s explore how therapeutic trampolining could benefit your child or enhance your therapeutic offerings!

You can view the full article here:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/354015228_Inclusion_Strategies_A_Trampoline_Program_For_Children_With_Autism_Spectrum_Disorder