Effect of Object on Kinesthetic Motor Imagery in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Study Based on Eye-Tracking Methodology

Abstract

Introduction

Social disturbance is a significant autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptom. Action representation, which is a fundamental component of social interaction, can be investigated through kinesthetic motor imagery (KMI). KMI has been commonly studied with the well-developed laterality judgment paradigm, wherein participants are required to discriminate the laterality of a hand rotated by different angles along one or more axes. Here, we investigated the KMI processing in individuals with ASD by hand laterality judgment paradigm with eye-tracking methodology.

Methods

The current study included 22 participants with ASD and 22 typical developing (TD) peers matched for age, gender, and intelligence. Participants were asked to judge the laterality of hand-with-tooth brush images.

Results

Compared to the TD controls, individuals with ASD performed KMI with lower accuracy and longer response time in both correct and incorrect action conditions. The incorrect action representation had greater effect on KMI for individuals with ASD. Differences in eye-movement patterns were also observed, characterized by individuals with ASD were more focused on the object area while TD peers were more focused on the hand area.

Conclusion

Results suggest that while altered KMI performance was observed, the incorrect action representation elicited more engagement of KMI in both groups. The object-centered eye-movement pattern may contribute to the refine of motor simulation intervention for individuals with ASD.

Keywords:

• autism spectrum disorder
• kinesthetic motor imagery
• action representation
• eye-tracking

Ethical Approval

The studies involving human participants were reviewed and approved by the Human Ethics Committees of Liaoning Normal University (Ethical Number: LL2023058). The university health participants signed the consent form independently; The health participants in high school and all of the ASD participants were signed by their guardians. In addition to the guardians, the ASD adults also signed the consent form by themselves. All methods were carried out in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations/Declaration of Helsinki.

Consent to Participate

Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study.

Consent to Publish

The health university participants and the ASD adults have consented to the submission of the case report to the journal. In addition, the guardians of the health participants in high school and all of the ASD participants have also consented to the submission of the case report to the journal.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by The State Social Science Fund funds key projects in the later stage (20FSHA001).