NCT06800001

Efficacy of Physical Activity for the Management of Stereotyped Behavior and Anxiety in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Efficacy of Physical Activity for the Management of Stereotyped Behavior and Anxiety in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 40 (actual)
• Sponsor: Fatima Jinnah Women University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 8 Years – 12 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The primary purpose of the study is to investigate whether physical activity can significantly manage stereotyped behavior and anxiety in children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The study aims to contribute to the existing literature by providing robust evidence on the efficacy of Physical Activity intervention for ASD, which could inform clinical practices and improve treatment outcomes.

Detailed description

The current quantitative study will be carried out in two phases. A cross-sectional survey will assess the autism category (mild, moderate and severe), stereotyped behavior and anxiety in autistic children during the first phase. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be done during the second phase where children with Autism Spectrum Disorder who are identified with moderate category of autism, stereotyped behavior and anxiety will be categorized into two groups i.e. waitlist control group and intervention group through the process of randomization. Then physical activity intervention would be applied to participants in the intervention group. The control group is the waitlist control group so initially no intervention will be given to participants in the control group but the intervention will be given to the control group participants once the study is completed. The physical activity intervention would be implemented on participants using individual and in-person modes. The pre-and post-assessment will be done at Times 1 and 2 within and between control and interventional groups. After doing post assessment the difference between pre and post-assessment will be compared to explore the efficacy of physical activity intervention in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Conditions

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Stereotyped Behavior
• Anxiety

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Physical Activity	Physical Activity is an 8-week practical intervention for managing the stereotyped behavior \& anxiety. Week 1: Introduction - Build engagement with the help of rapport building. Learn \& practice ball-tapping exercise with warm up \& cool down relaxation exercise. Week 2: Calmness- Practice jumping in trampoline exercise and learn balloon breathing exercise that give calmness. Week 3: Focus enhancement-Learn skills of jumping exercise to increase focus and improve impulse. Week 4: Strength, balance, and stress relief -explore the gym ball exercise in different directions that improves emotional regulation. Week 5: self control - Learn strategies for specific jumping patterns that improves impulse control and focus in children with ASD. Week 6: Reduce Stereotyped Behaviors - Learn complex trampoline exercises. Week 7: Skill Reinforcement- Review exercises, increasing speed or direction changes. Week 8: Integration -Encourage playful interaction to maintain engagement \& consolidate skills.

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-08-21
• Primary completion: 2024-12-30
• Completion: 2024-12-30
• First posted: 2025-01-29
• Last updated: 2025-01-29

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Pakistan