Walking Mechanics and Movement Pattern Variability in Monozygotic Twins with Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Published in: Journal of developmental and physical disabilities 2018-12, Vol.30 (6), p.793-805
• Main Authors: Dufek, Janet S., Harry, John R., Eggleston, Jeffrey D., Hickman, Robbin A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Autism; Autism Spectrum Disorders; Behavioral Science and Psychology; Child and School Psychology; Gait; Genotypes; Mechanics; Monozygotic; Original Article; Pediatrics; Pervasive developmental disorders; Precision medicine; Psychology; Public Health; Twins; Variability; Walking
• ISSN: 1056-263X; 1573-3580
• DOI: 10.1007/s10882-018-9620-2

The study of monozygotic (MZ) twins enables researchers to understand the inheritability and manifestation of many disorders due to the presence of near identical genotypes. It is reasonable to speculate that the heterogeneous manifestations of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) present unique movement challenges to each MZ twin, regardless of nearly identical genotypes. However, such a study has yet to be performed. Additionally, no study has attempted to quantify the movement dysfunctions previously observed in this population. The purpose of this investigation was to examine gait parameters and movement pattern variability within one pair of monozygotic (MZ) twins diagnosed with ASD. One nine-year old pair of MZ twins with clinical diagnoses of ASD walked over-ground while kinetic and kinematic gait parameters were obtained. Point-by-point statistical and effect size (ES) analyses were performed throughout the gait cycle between twins. Movement pattern variability was quantified to explain the mechanical differences observed. Significant, (α