The effects of different combinations of perceptual-motor exercises, music, and vitamin D supplementation on the nerve growth factor in children with high-functioning autism.

The present study investigated the effects of different combinations of perceptual-motor exercises, music, and Vitamin D consumption on the nerve growth factor (NGF) in children with high-functioning autism. 48 children with autism, aged between six and nine years, were divided into four groups: Group A- perceptual-motor activities along with music (n = 12); Group B-Vitamin D supplementation (n = 12); Group C-perceptual-motor activities along with music and Vitamin D (n = 12); and Group D-control (n = 12). Participants' blood NGF level was measured before and after the intervention. The results showed a significant improvement in the NGF levels in Groups B and C due to the interventions. Also, in Group A, the NGF levels increased compared to Group D, although this increase was not significant. In addition, the intake of Vitamin D along with perceptual-motor exercises resulted in a significant increase in the levels of NGF compared to Groups A, B and D. These findings suggest that perceptual-motor exercises along with music as well as taking Vitamin D may provide two appropriate interventions for improving NGF in children with autism.

Comparison of the effects of perceptual-motor exercises, vitamin D supplementation and the combination of these interventions on decreasing stereotypical behavior in children with autism disorder.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the combined effects of perceptual-motor exercises and vitamin D3 supplementation on the reduction of stereotypical behavior in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHODS: In this study, 100 eligible children with age ranging from 6 to 9 years were randomly selected and divided into four groups: Group A-perceptual-motor exercises (n = 25); Group B-25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25 (OH) D) (n = 25); Group C-perceptual-motor exercises and 25 (OH) D (n = 25); and Group D-control (n = 25). RESULTS: The stereotypes decreased from elementary level, 17% in Group A, 13% in Group B and 28% in Group C among the participants. There was no change in the stereotypical in the control group during the interventions. Also, the stereotypes in Group C showed the highest decrease, compared to the other three groups. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that combination of perceptual-motor exercises and vitamin D3 supplementation in children with ASD leads to significant reduction in their stereotypic behaviors.

Neurofeedback and physical balance in Parkinson's patients.

The primary goal of the present research is to study the effect of a neurofeedback training (NFT) period on balance problems associated with Parkinson's disease. Sixteen patients were selected through purposive sampling and were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. The research procedure included eight sessions. Prior to and after training, pre-tests and post-tests of static and dynamic balance were administered using "limit of stability" for the Biodex as well as the Berg scale. The results revealed that, after neurofeedback training, a statistically significant improvement in both static and dynamic balance in the experimental group was achieved. The means of the Biodex and Berg scores in the experimental group increased from 18.87 to 42.87 and 17.62 to 46.37, respectively. The means of the Biodex and Berg scores in the control group in the pretest were 18.25 and 17.75 and increased to 20.00 and 20.50, respectively. The results suggest that NFT can improve static and dynamic balance in PD patients.