EFFECT OF MANUAL THERAPY (MET) VS CONVENTIONAL THERAPY FOR IMPROVING TENDO-ACHILLES (TA) FLEXIBILITY AND FOOT POSTURE IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a disorder of neurodevelopment, which affects individuals across social, ethnic, and geographic groups. Autistic children have difficulty with gross motor and fine motor functioning difficulties, including a wide range of signs and symptoms. Toe walking due to TA tightness is commonly observed gait in autistic children altering foot posture in them. The knowledge about the abnormalities can be useful for the assessment and treatment planning of ASD children. We evaluated TA tightness, ROM of the ankle joint, and compare the effect of manual therapy (MET) and conventional therapy for improving TA flexibility and foot posture. Methods: An RCT included 20 diagnosed autistic children(13male,7female) as per inclusion criteria the subjects were divided into two groups, i.e., group A and B, the group A was given Conventional Therapy in the form of passive stretching whereas Group B was given Manual Therapy in the form Muscle Energy Technique. The participants were clinically examined and evaluate TA tightness in the form of Elastography, Range of motion, and foot posture. Data were taken as pre and after post-intervention. Results: There were significant changes in elastography readings, foot posture index, and range of motion in both groups post-intervention, but significant improvement was observed in group B as compared to group A, i.e., p>0.05. Conclusion: This has been concluded that there is a significant effect of Manual therapy in the form of muscle energy technique for improving TA flexibility and foot posture as compared to conventional treatment.