Effects of Low Frequency Whole Body Vibrations on Motor Skills and Sensory Integration in Children With Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in social communication and restrictive, repetitive behaviors. While core symptoms often receive priority in diagnosis and intervention, motor coordination difficulties and sensory integration challenges-present in a significant proportion of autistic children- remain underexplored. Research shows that up to 83% of children with ASD struggle with age-appropriate motor skills, and sensory processing abnormalities further hinder their participation in daily routines. Traditional therapies, although beneficial, often fail to address these interconnected domains comprehensively. Whole-body vibration (WBV) therapy, a non-invasive physical intervention that stimulates neuromuscular function through low frequency vibrations, has shown promise in improving motor control, coordination, and even behavioral outcomes in various clinical populations, including children with cerebral palsy and Down syndrome. However, its application in pediatric ASD, particularly for sensory and motor integration, remains limited in empirical evidence. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of low-frequency Whole Body Vibration therapy on motor skills and sensory integration in children aged 3-10 years diagnosed with mild to moderate ASD. The study will be conducted over 10 months at two pediatric rehabilitation centers in Pakistan and will involve 36 participants divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention group will receive low-frequency Whole Body Vibration sessions combined with routine physiotherapy, while the control group will engage in routine physical activity. Motor skills will be assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development-2 (TGMD-2), and sensory processing will be evaluated with the Short Sensory Profile. The vibration protocol includes 3-4 rounds of 30-second sessions with rest intervals, using a platform set at 28 Hz and 0.97 mm amplitude. Data will be analyzed using SPSS 27.0.

Inclusion criteria

• Children aged 5-9 years
• Clinically diagnosed with mild to moderate Autism Spectrum Disorder according to the childhood autism rating scale (CARS)
• Able to stand or sit with support on a WBV platform
• Children able to follow simple verbal commands
• Children with no visual or auditory defects
• Parental/legal guardian consent obtained
• Attending regular therapy sessions at the study site

Exclusion criteria

• Children with uncontrolled epilepsy and cerebral palsy
• Severe musculoskeletal or orthopedic impairments
• Presence of implanted medical devices (e.g., pacemaker)
• Any recent surgery (<6 months)
• Children currently undergoing another experimental therapy