Daria Koslosky
Research Mentor: Haylie Miller
Mentor Department: University of Michigan, Kinesiology
Author(s): Daria Koslosky, Haylie Miller
Session: Session 6 (3:00 PM – 3:50 PM)
Presentation Type: Poster 81
Abstract
The motor and visual development of individuals with neurodivergence varies from that of the neurotypical population. It has been hypothesized that it may be linked to proprioceptive feedback, the brain’s sensory integration center to locate one’s position in space, in individuals with neurodivergence. This can affect daily functions, such as ambulating and completing daily tasks. In the Motor and Visual Development Lab, we conduct a variety of tests on participants relating to fine motor skills, balance, and movement. VSR and motion capture are utilized when specifically looking at the biomechanics of a participant. The Natus VSR system is used in the lab and consists of portable force plates to measure balance and limits of stability for participants. Once the tasks are completed, the data is compiled and compared between and within populations of those with neurodivergence and those without. This specific study aims to provide insight into the differences in proprioceptive feedback between neurodivergent and neurotypical populations. We hypothesized that there would be greater sway velocity for both the neurotypical and neurodivergent groups on the foam vs. firm ground, and that there would be a greater sway velocity for the neurodivergent group on the foam compared to the neurotypical group. After running independent samples T-Tests, the study yielded significant differences in the sway velocity for both the neurotypical and neurodivergent groups on the foam vs. firm (p=0.00184146, p=0.0005174). While there was no significant difference between groups in the firm surface condition (p=0.10615673), they did differ in the foam condition (p=0.02544338). This result suggests that neurodivergent people have problems with postural stability, and may be more susceptible to changes in surface condition compared to neurotypical people. This has important implications for clinical practice, including screening and risk management for falls and mobility problems. Planned future analyses include examination of additional person-level moderators (e.g., age, diagnosis) to build a comprehensive picture of influences on postural instability.
