Motor profile dynamics using biofeedback virtual reality technologies for children with autism spectrum disorders

Purpose of the study. The WHO estimates that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects one in 160 children. in Russia, the ratio of the number of children with ASD to the total child population (0–18 years) is 1:961, which reflects the high social significance of the disease [1]. To study the impact of biofeedback virtual reality rehabilitation technology on ReviMotion on motor profile dynamics in children with ASD. Materials and methods. The study included 11 children aged 4–7 years with diagnoses: autism, autistic behavior, delayed psychospeech development. To determine the severity of the symptoms of the disease, the Wexler test was used [2]. All children, before and after the course of classes, were tested according to the method of assessing the overall motor functionality of children with autism spectrum disorder [3]. The rehabilitation complex included classes using a virtual reality simulator with biofeedback «ReviMotion.» Results. The impact of biofeedback virtual reality technologies on the ReviMotion apparatus on the dynamics of the motor profile in children with ASD was studied. The study showed that this technique increases the level of adaptive functioning in children with ASD and can be used in clinical practice. Analysis of the results of motor function testing after a course of classes revealed positive dynamics in 82 % of patients, expressed in improved coordination of movements, reduced anxiety, increased concentration and motivation for classes. Positive changes can be associated with the beneficial influence of the developed methodology, which contributes to increasing the interest of children in exercise, simplifying the communication algorithm and adequate selection of exercise. Conclusion. Thus, the proposed rehabilitation technique using virtual reality and biofeedback can be considered for use in clinical practice.