Is my intolerance of running a result of hypersensitivity?

contingencyplan

I have an autism spectrum disorder and as a result totally whacked out senses. Some senses are more senses and my senses of touch and hearing in particular are screwy.

I've tried running for exercises but no matter what type of shoes I'm wearing (I've gone through over $400 in different types of running shoes trying to find ones that worked over the years) but the result is always the same. When running at a more leisurely pace (read: anything that isn't an all out sprint, which is easier interestingly enough) I feel an impact jarring my whole body with each step that carries through to my brain and after a block or so starts to make me feel very dizzy. I run landing on my forefoot, not on my heel. For some reason this isn't there when I sprint all out.

EDIT: Interestingly enough I am able to do much higher impact activities, such as plyometrics and jumping rope, without getting this same feeling.

impyimpyaj

I would say it's probably a result of your hypersensitivity more than anything else, although it might be your stride. Do you have a therapist at all? Maybe there's something you can do to help make the sensation more bearable. Or maybe it wouldn't hurt to make an appointment with a running trainer who can analyze your gait and see if you need to make corrections.

Yanicka1

Oh wow it must feel really awful. Did you try some low impact cardio like the elliptical machine? Or you might try some HIIT where you run as fast as possible for one minute then walk for one minute for 15-20 minutes.

contingencyplan

I would say it's probably a result of your hypersensitivity more than anything else, although it might be your stride. Do you have a therapist at all? Maybe there's something you can do to help make the sensation more bearable. Or maybe it wouldn't hurt to make an appointment with a running trainer who can analyze your gait and see if you need to make corrections.

I see a group therapist but not not an individual one.

contingencyplan

Oh wow it must feel really awful. Did you try some low impact cardio like the elliptical machine? Or you might try some HIIT where you run as fast for one minute then walk for one minute for 15-20 minutes.

Normally what I do is HIIT style cardio or calisthenics.

froeschli

could it be that you notice it more when going slower because you have more time? The brain is a funny thing and it prioritizes what it pays attention to. sprinting and rope jumping need more attention, so the impact becomes secondary.
Have you tried trail running? The surface is softer, and you need to pay more attention to where you set your foot - that could be enough of a distraction for your brain. (as in, don't anticipate the shock going though your system, look for the next spot to put your foot instead...)
else, try different styles of running, concentrate on your form, breathing, etc.

good luck, i hope you figure it out, it seems you really want to run

contingencyplan

could it be that you notice it more when going slower because you have more time? The brain is a funny thing and it prioritizes what it pays attention to. sprinting and rope jumping need more attention, so the impact becomes secondary.
Have you tried trail running? The surface is softer, and you need to pay more attention to where you set your foot - that could be enough of a distraction for your brain. (as in, don't anticipate the shock going though your system, look for the next spot to put your foot instead...)
else, try different styles of running, concentrate on your form, breathing, etc.

good luck, i hope you figure it out, it seems you really want to run

I have coordination and motor control issues that prevent me from being able to run on uneven surfaces. I cannot control foot placement all that well.

opuntia

I'm on the autism spectrum too, and have the same experience of running - funnily enough, I was chatting to some friends on the autism spectrum about this sort of thing earlier today. Well, we were talking more about strength exercises, and how our experience of the pain of, say, sit-ups, is so intense that it can discourage us from doing strength exercises at all, and this could maybe be a reason why a lot of people with Aspergers have weak muscle tone.

But regarding running, yes, I get that jarring feeling (and my vision gets jarred too, which is hard because I already have visual processing difficulties). I also feel very out of breath, and my chest hurts, and I think my experience of that is a lot more intense because of being on the autism spectrum and therefore being hypersensitive. The whole experience is horrible for me. So I don't run. I swim instead. Swimming has the opposite effect - the water is a very soothing sensory experience, because of the pressure on my body. And of course it's low impact, so no jarring at all. But coordination difficulties mean that the only stroke I can do with ease is breast stroke (which is apparently also very common in people on the autism spectrum).

And like you, I have no problem with jumping exercises - but then jumping is also generally a positive sensory experience for people on the autism spectrum, which is why a lot of us have trampolines.

cmriverside

This is really fascinating, I just want to follow along. Good luck to you figuring this out :flowerforyou:

contingencyplan

I'm on the autism spectrum too, and have the same experience of running - funnily enough, I was chatting to some friends on the autism spectrum about this sort of thing earlier today. Well, we were talking more about strength exercises, and how our experience of the pain of, say, sit-ups, is so intense that it can discourage us from doing strength exercises at all, and this could maybe be a reason why a lot of people with Aspergers have weak muscle tone.

But regarding running, yes, I get that jarring feeling (and my vision gets jarred too, which is hard because I already have visual processing difficulties). I also feel very out of breath, and my chest hurts, and I think my experience of that is a lot more intense because of being on the autism spectrum and therefore being hypersensitive. The whole experience is horrible for me. So I don't run. I swim instead. Swimming has the opposite effect - the water is a very soothing sensory experience, because of the pressure on my body. And of course it's low impact, so no jarring at all. But coordination difficulties mean that the only stroke I can do with ease is breast stroke (which is apparently also very common in people on the autism spectrum).

And like you, I have no problem with jumping exercises - but then jumping is also generally a positive sensory experience for people on the autism spectrum, which is why a lot of us have trampolines.

The exercises I have based my regimen around are all about positive sensory experiences. Working out with a suspension trainer, my preferred method of strength training, simulates the stimming I normally do without realizing it. I very much enjoy calisthenics because of the feeling of your body moving through the air in repetitive, controlled movements like that.

I used to be a VERY VERY VERY big swimmer when I was younger but extreme sun sensitivities forced me to give it up without access to an indoor pool.

opuntia

The exercises I have based my regimen around are all about positive sensory experiences. Working out with a suspension trainer, my preferred method of strength training, simulates the stimming I normally do without realizing it.

I used to be a VERY VERY VERY big swimmer when I was younger but extreme sun sensitivities forced me to give it up without access to an indoor pool.

Ah yes, I can't swim outside in the sun. I use an indoor pool.

I've just googled 'suspension trainer', and they look fantastic. I'd never heard of those before - I don't think the gym I belong to has them.

contingencyplan

The exercises I have based my regimen around are all about positive sensory experiences. Working out with a suspension trainer, my preferred method of strength training, simulates the stimming I normally do without realizing it.

I used to be a VERY VERY VERY big swimmer when I was younger but extreme sun sensitivities forced me to give it up without access to an indoor pool.

Ah yes, I can't swim outside in the sun. I use an indoor pool.

I've just googled 'suspension trainer', and they look fantastic. I'd never heard of those before - I don't think the gym I belong to has them.

I purchased my own for home use. I own two, a Jungle Gym XT and a CrossCore 180. I recommend the Jungle Gym XT if on a budget. It's great! Stimming workout

opuntia

I purchased my own for home use. I own two, a Jungle Gym XT and a CrossCore 180. I recommend the Jungle Gym XT if on a budget. It's great! Stimming workout

Ah, thanks - I'll look into it.

contingencyplan

I purchased my own for home use. I own two, a Jungle Gym XT and a CrossCore 180. I recommend the Jungle Gym XT if on a budget. It's great! Stimming workout

Ah, thanks - I'll look into it.

Kettlebell training, with the swings, is also a GREAT form of training for us. Repetitive swinging motion and killer workout.

rottiegirl22

I think it's stride. When you run faster or jump, or do other high impact, you are probably landing forefoot first. When you run slower, you may be hitting heal first. You could try to modify your stride to see if it helps with the hypersensitivity issues? Can you walk? Or does walking give the same sensations? If you can walk and stride modification doesn't help, can you alternate sprints and walking to accomplish what you want to accomplish? Good luck!

contingencyplan

I always go forefoot first, never heel, even when slow. Walking is fine.

opuntia

Kettlebell training, with the swings, is also a GREAT form of training for us. Repetitive swinging motion and killer workout.

Ah, yes, I've been doing kettlebells - I bought some from amazon, and have been doing swings every day. They're great. :-)

contingencyplan

Kettlebell training, with the swings, is also a GREAT form of training for us. Repetitive swinging motion and killer workout.

Ah, yes, I've been doing kettlebells - I bought some from amazon, and have been doing swings every day. They're great. :-)

I need to purchase KBs for home use myself. I need them.

GrAlVt

If jogging causes the problem, but other high intensity workouts with even more severe workouts, then your hypersensitivity probably isn't the cause. The jarring bothers me too, but it's become reduced as I lose weight and adapt my pattern. Like you, I run forefoot first because heel striking just causes too much discomfort in my ankles and reduces the time I can spend running. The best way to deal with it is probably to change your cadence. Try running with faster steps but without upping your speed. Moving your legs more quickly and mantaining the same speed will reduce the magnitude of each movement, reducing impact and jarring.

Based on what you and opuntia have said, it sounds like your syndrome affects your VOR response, and that's what's causing the dizziness you experience. It might be better to talk to a vision specialist about it, then, than an exercise specialist.

opuntia

If jogging causes the problem, but other high intensity workouts with even more severe workouts, then your hypersensitivity probably isn't the cause.

Sensory integration difficulties can be quite complex and seemingly contradictory - it's quite common to be hypersensitive to something quite low intensity and be fine with something of a much higher intensity (in terms of sensory input - like touch, or noise, for instance).

For me, a major difference between running and jumping is that running involves moving from side to side a bit, whereas with jumping you're always straight. Rather like the difference between front crawl and breast stroke. Side to side movements involve a different part of the vestibular system from up and down movements.

Based on what you and opuntia have said, it sounds like your syndrome affects your VOR response, and that's what's causing the dizziness you experience. It might be better to talk to a vision specialist about it, then, than an exercise specialist.

What is VOR? Vision specialists don't tend to deal with visual processing - just with vision itself. They're two very different things. And visual processing difficulties are part of the sensory sensitivity we get. Sensory means all the senses - not just touch. It includes vestibular too, as well as visual. The dizziness is definitely part of the hypersensitivity for me, and for quite a lot of people on the autism spectrum. It is partly visual processing and partly vestibular processing. Some people on the autism spectrum have the opposite, where they get vestibular hyposensitivity - undersensitivity - so they seek out experiences that will stimulate their vestibular system, like roller coasters.

justjenn1977

My twelve year old has aspergers... when we first started biking as a family for exercise he would complain a lot about "fast trees"making his feet/knees hurt... I know this isn't exactly the same as running...but I got him a very nice pair of sunshades and a great helmet (very large biking helmet that sort of blocks peripheral vision) and we just slowly increased what he could do... Worked with him about ignoring/blocking out the distractions... He calls it "marathon_ing" he says "I get into my mode and let it all slide"over the course of three years we have gone from not being able to go a whole mile to being able to ride 170 miles last week in five days...

He also likes to wear under armor shirts (we tried the sensory vest but he likes under armor better)... He says it "gives me a nest I can carry with me" he especially likes to wear one on new trails... After we've done a trail a few times he is cool with it...


As a side note... It does my heart good when I see grown men with autistic syndromes are active and "out there"... Gives me hope for my son...

opuntia

Jennfrye - I have Irlen tints on my glasses and it does help a lot.

There are definitely lots of men on the autism spectrum out there and active. And women too - like myself. For many of us, adulthood is easier than childhood because we've had chance to develop a lot of strategies to deal with our processing differences, and to really capitalise on our strengths. So you have lots of reason to have high hopes for your son. :-)

contingencyplan

My twelve year old has aspergers... when we first started biking as a family for exercise he would complain a lot about "fast trees"making his feet/knees hurt... I know this isn't exactly the same as running...but I got him a very nice pair of sunshades and a great helmet (very large biking helmet that sort of blocks peripheral vision) and we just slowly increased what he could do... Worked with him about ignoring/blocking out the distractions... He calls it "marathon_ing" he says "I get into my mode and let it all slide"over the course of three years we have gone from not being able to go a whole mile to being able to ride 170 miles last week in five days...

He also likes to wear under armor shirts (we tried the sensory vest but he likes under armor better)... He says it "gives me a nest I can carry with me" he especially likes to wear one on new trails... After we've done a trail a few times he is cool with it...


As a side note... It does my heart good when I see grown men with autistic syndromes are active and "out there"... Gives me hope for my son...

Don't worry too much about your son as an adult. What's important is that you make sure he isn't a bully magnet as a child in school. That can have a debilitating effect on him that will last throughout childhood. Children on the spectrum tend to be bully magnets growing up.

Using my sensory issues to put together workout programs that satisfy my stimming urges is one of the ways I've lost so much weight. That and the "need" I have to eat mostly the same things every day.

justjenn1977

Don't worry too much about your son as an adult. What's important is that you make sure he isn't a bully magnet as a child in school. That can have a debilitating effect on him that will last throughout childhood. Children on the spectrum tend to be bully magnets growing up.

Using my sensory issues to put together workout programs that satisfy my stimming urges is one of the ways I've lost so much weight. That and the "need" I have to eat mostly the same things every day.

The older he gets the less I worry... He has had years of therapy and sensitivity training... And we're found a good combo of anti anxiety and anti hyperactive meds (at least for now)... And he copes much better now... He used to have meltdowns at least once a week where he was nearly catatonic... He hasn't had one in three years! He has also learned how to tell when he has upset someone (he seems like such a vulcan when he says "I sense I have disturbed your emotions, how can I make amends"... Very cute) ...


I always try to see things from his perspective... The little things... Like when I have to cut the tag out of my shirt because it bugs me... Life is like that for him all the time... And it makes it easier for me to not get upset with him...


as for not being bullied... He has the best siblings in the world.... they go to bat for him a thousand times...

I know you said you go to group therapy... Have you brought up your running issues there? I know that Chris gets a lot of great feedback from the other kids he talks to about his issues... And he loves teaching his coping mechanisms

contingencyplan

Don't worry too much about your son as an adult. What's important is that you make sure he isn't a bully magnet as a child in school. That can have a debilitating effect on him that will last throughout childhood. Children on the spectrum tend to be bully magnets growing up.

Using my sensory issues to put together workout programs that satisfy my stimming urges is one of the ways I've lost so much weight. That and the "need" I have to eat mostly the same things every day.

The older he gets the less I worry... He has had years of therapy and sensitivity training... And we're found a good combo of anti anxiety and anti hyperactive meds (at least for now)... And he copes much better now... He used to have meltdowns at least once a week where he was nearly catatonic... He hasn't had one in three years! He has also learned how to tell when he has upset someone (he seems like such a vulcan when he says "I sense I have disturbed your emotions, how can I make amends"... Very cute) ...


I always try to see things from his perspective... The little things... Like when I have to cut the tag out of my shirt because it bugs me... Life is like that for him all the time... And it makes it easier for me to not get upset with him...


as for not being bullied... He has the best siblings in the world.... they go to bat for him a thousand times...

I know you said you go to group therapy... Have you brought up your running issues there? I know that Chris gets a lot of great feedback from the other kids he talks to about his issues... And he loves teaching his coping mechanisms

Haven't brought up the running issues there, no. Never though tit was something worth mentioning.

meerkat70

Hi contingency

How disruptive is your ASD, in terms of daily living? The only research I'm aware of in this area suggests that running, and other kinds of repetitive exercise are associated with a reduction in the behavioural 'symptoms' of ASD (like stereotypy, being able to stay on-task etc), but obviously that's only relevant if you experience those types of difficulties?

I've had a quick search and can't find any evidence around the sensory issues you describe, but I guess it does make sense in terms of the *experience* of sensory overload. I can't find anything relevant right now, and I'm going away for a few days so don't have time to do a more thorough search. But if you'd find it helpful, I'll have another look when I get home in a few days.

I guess, though, the balance of evidence points to static state cardio being good for ASD.

Best of luck - I hope you find a way round this issue.

J

meerkat70

Looking at the comments about swimming - might something like bike riding work better for you? Still steady state cardio, but less of a jarring action?

(I don't think HIIT would be a good option - I think that was suggested up the thread?)

BerryH

Look into switching to mid-foot landing. There are some YouTube videos or you can buy a book like Chi Running if you want to find out more or a Google will tell you a lot of what you need to know. It will reduce the impact substantially. I've got some Sorbothane insoles which have significantly reduced impact injuries I was getting too.

contingencyplan

Hi contingency

How disruptive is your ASD, in terms of daily living? The only research I'm aware of in this area suggests that running, and other kinds of repetitive exercise are associated with a reduction in the behavioural 'symptoms' of ASD (like stereotypy, being able to stay on-task etc), but obviously that's only relevant if you experience those types of difficulties?

I've had a quick search and can't find any evidence around the sensory issues you describe, but I guess it does make sense in terms of the *experience* of sensory overload. I can't find anything relevant right now, and I'm going away for a few days so don't have time to do a more thorough search. But if you'd find it helpful, I'll have another look when I get home in a few days.

I guess, though, the balance of evidence points to static state cardio being good for ASD.

Best of luck - I hope you find a way round this issue.

J

What do you mean by how disruptive is it in daily living?

Looking at the comments about swimming - might something like bike riding work better for you? Still steady state cardio, but less of a jarring action?

(I don't think HIIT would be a good option - I think that was suggested up the thread?)

I actually already do HIIT cardio using jump rope and calisthenics drills. But I'm looking for something steady state I can do. Bicycling would be good but I would have to transport my bicycle to a place where I can ride it since my neighborhood is not suitable for it (very urban, more time spent stopped waiting for light changes than moving).

Look into switching to mid-foot landing. There are some YouTube videos or you can buy a book like Chi Running if you want to find out more or a Google will tell you a lot of what you need to know. It will reduce the impact substantially. I've got some Sorbothane insoles which have significantly reduced impact injuries I was getting too.

I don't have enough coordination and motor control to be able to control how my foot lands all that well. It lands how it lands.

meerkat70

Hi contingency, I meant how 'severe' is the asd. Most of the research I mentioned is with people who might be described as 'moderate'. I was trying to work out how relevant that would be to you. So to what degree would experiences like stereotypy or on task problems trouble you.

What do you want to get out of the steady state cardio? What's your aim with it?

contingencyplan

Hi contingency, I meant how 'severe' is the asd. Most of the research I mentioned is with people who might be described as 'moderate'. I was trying to work out how relevant that would be to you. So to what degree would experiences like stereotypy or on task problems trouble you.

What do you want to get out of the steady state cardio? What's your aim with it?

The things I do for cardio generally are at an intensity level that manate a rest day afterwards. Want something milder so I can do it daily.

I'm not sure as I have no frame of reference. I'm not very good at just throwing these things out there. I can answer specific questions but that's it.