The effect of Perceptual-motor Exercises along with music and Vitamin D3 Supplementation on Nerve Growth Factor, Attention, motor proficiency and GARS-2 in children with high-functioning autism

This study aims to investigate the effect of perceptual motor Exercises along with music and Vitamin D3 Supplementation on Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), Attention, motor proficiency and GARS-2 in 6 to 9 years old children suffering from autism disorder.

Among children with autism in autistic children care centers in Isfahan, 150 children were selected using screening tests. The children with autism spectrum disorders were randomly selected from the Autism Center. Then, They were randomly assigned to one of the four study groups and receive the special intervention. They were randomly divided into Four groups: group 1= perceptual-motor Exercises along with music; Group 2= Vitamin D3 supplementation; Group 3= perceptual-motor Exercises along with music and Vitamin D3; and Group 4= Placebo.

Participants were screened by an experienced physician and were found eligible to participate in Perceptual-motor Exercises and Vitamin D Supplementation. Participants of the group 1 received perceptual-motor exercises along with music instruction 1 session/day, 3 days/week for 12 weeks. The sessions were carried out in a therapy room located at the Center of Autism. The intervention related to the group 2 includes intake of Vitamin D tablets (300 IU/ day not to exceed 5,000 IU/day). In Group 3, both interventions of Groups 1 and 2 were conducted for 3 months (Perceptual-motor Exercises along with music was 36 sessions (3 months) + receive vitamin D3 drops, 300 IU/ day not to exceed 5,000 IU/day for 3 months.). Children with ASD in Group 4 also received placebos during the investigation period. The placebo consisted of a combination of polysorbate 20, which is the same fragrance ingredient used in vitamin D drops in addition to glycerin, disodium edetate, and b-cyclodextrin in purified water. Finally, all subjects were subjected to post-test using the research kit of the NGF, stroop test, Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, GARS-2.

Inclusion criteria: an autism diagnosis confirmed by a psychologist along with a medical team and based on diagnostic criteria DSM-5; Children with high-functioning autism disorder; obtaining consent from parents; Vitamin D serum level less than 30 ng/ml. Exclusion criteria: Subjects who had associated gastrointestinal problems; neurological diseases and children with malnutrition.

Intervention group 1: The protocol of Perceptual-motor Exercises along with music was 36 sessions at 12 weeks (3 months) and three sessions per week, with each session lasting 60 minutes. They included stretching and jogging (10 minutes), main perceptual-motor exercises (45 minutes), and cool down (5 minutes). Intervention group 2: The intervention related to the group 2 includes intake of Vitamin D tablets (300 IU/ day not to exceed 5,000 IU/day). Intervention group 3: In Group 3, both interventions of Groups 1 and 2 were conducted for 3 months (Perceptual-motor Exercises along with music was 36 sessions (3 months) + receive vitamin D3 drops, 300 IU/ day not to exceed 5,000 IU/day for 3 months). Control group: Children with ASD in Group 4 also received placebos during the investigation period. The placebo consisted of a combination of polysorbate 20, which is the same fragrance ingredient used in vitamin D drops in addition to glycerin, disodium edetate, and b-cyclodextrin in purified water.

Nerve Growth Factor Attention Motor Proficiency Stereotypic Behaviors Communication Social

Investigator

The children with autism spectrum disorders were randomly selected from the Autism Center. Then, They were randomly assigned to one of the four study groups and receive the special intervention.