Postural and Muscular Responses to a Novel Multisensory Relaxation System in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Feasibility Study

TL;DR

A new multisensory relaxation system was safe and helped calm children with severe autism without increasing muscle tension.

Contribution

The study introduces a novel, standardized multisensory system for calming children with severe autism.

Findings

The system was well tolerated with no adverse events and most children sat independently.

Normalized EMG amplitudes were low, indicating physiological calmness without increased muscle tension.

Postural profiles reflected common ASD features, but limb behavior was predominantly calm.

Abstract

What are the main findings?
A smart relaxation system was safe and well tolerated by children with severe autism spectrum disorder.No significant increases in muscle tension were detected; physiological relaxation effects were observed.

A smart relaxation system was safe and well tolerated by children with severe autism spectrum disorder.

No significant increases in muscle tension were detected; physiological relaxation effects were observed.

What is the implication of the main finding?
The system shows promise as a short-term calming intervention for children with autism.Findings provide a foundation for developing multisensory approaches in education and rehabilitation.

The system shows promise as a short-term calming intervention for children with autism.

Findings provide a foundation for developing multisensory approaches in education and rehabilitation.

Background: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently show postural abnormalities and elevated muscle tone, which can hinder participation in education and rehabilitation. Evidence on the immediate physiological effects of standardized multisensory environments is limited. Objective: To evaluate feasibility, safety and short-term physiological/postural responses to an automated multisensory smart relaxation system in children with severe ASD. Methods: In a single-session pilot across three sites, 30 children (27 boys; 6–16 years) underwent pre–post postural observation and bilateral surface EMG of the upper trapezius, biceps brachii and rectus abdominis. The system delivered parameterized sound, vibration, and mild heat. EMG was normalized to a quiet-sitting baseline. Results: The intervention was well tolerated with no adverse events. Most children sat independently (25/30; 80%) and a majority stood up unaided after the session (24/30; 76.9%). Postural profiles reflected common ASD features (neutral trunk 76%, forward head 52%, rounded/protracted shoulders 46%), while limb behavior was predominantly calm (73%). Normalized EMG amplitudes were low, with no significant pre–post changes and no meaningful left–right asymmetries (all p > 0.05; Cohen’s d < 0.20), indicating physiological calmness rather than tonic co-contraction. Conclusions: A single session with a smart multisensory relaxation system was safe, feasible, and physiologically calming for children with severe ASD, without increasing postural or muscular tension. The platform’s standardization and objective monitoring support its potential as a short-term calming adjunct before therapy or classroom tasks. Larger, gender-balanced, multi-session trials with behavioral outcomes are warranted.

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