The Effect of the Combination of Perceptual Motor Approach and Obstacle Course Exercise on Dynamic Balance in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Rindi Antika; Nurul Halimah; Angria Pradita; Yohanes Deo Fau

Authors

Rindi Antika ITSK RS dr. Soepraoen Kesdam V/Brw Author
Nurul Halimah ITSK RS dr. Soepraoen Kesdam V/Brw Author
Angria Pradita ITSK RS dr. Soepraoen Kesdam V/Brw Author
Yohanes Deo Fau ITSK RS dr. Soepraoen Kesdam V/Brw Author

Keywords:

Autism Spectrum Disorder; Dynamic Balance; Perceptual Motor Approach; Obstacle Course Exercise; Sensorimotor Integration

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effect of a combined Perceptual Motor Approach (PMA) and Obstacle Course Exercise (OCE) on dynamic balance in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A pre-experimental study with a one-group pretest–posttest design was conducted at the Kids Care Child Development Clinic, Mataram, from October to December 2025. The population consisted of 35 children with ASD, from which 20 participants aged 4–12 years with dynamic balance impairment were selected using purposive sampling based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Dynamic balance was assessed using the Beam Balance Test before and after the intervention. The intervention was administered twice weekly for four weeks, with each session lasting 30–45 minutes and consisting of sensory-motor stimulation through PMA and functional movement challenges using OCE. Data normality was tested using the Shapiro–Wilk test, and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was applied for inferential analysis. The results demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in dynamic balance following the intervention (p < 0.001), with a mean difference of 4.310 ± 1.180 between pretest and posttest scores. These findings indicate that the combination of PMA and OCE effectively enhances dynamic balance in children with ASD. The results support the integration of structured perceptual-motor and obstacle-based exercises into pediatric physiotherapy programs for children with ASD. Future studies are recommended to employ randomized controlled designs with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods to confirm and expand upon these findings.

Author Biographies

Nurul Halimah, ITSK RS dr. Soepraoen Kesdam V/Brw

Physiotherapy Bachelor Study Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Technology, Science, and Health, Dr. Soepraoen Kesdam V/Brawijaya Hospital, Malang, Indonesia
Angria Pradita, ITSK RS dr. Soepraoen Kesdam V/Brw

Physiotherapy Bachelor Study Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Technology, Science, and Health, Dr. Soepraoen Kesdam V/Brawijaya Hospital, Malang, Indonesia

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