Trials / Completed
CompletedNCT07231354
Physiotherapy for Improving Mental Health in Children and Adolescents With ASD and ADHD
The Role of Physiotherapy in the Mental Health of Children and Adolescents With Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- Status
- Completed
- Phase
- N/A
- Study type
- Interventional
- Enrollment
- 117 (actual)
- Sponsor
- International Hellenic University · Academic / Other
- Sex
- All
- Age
- 6 Years – 18 Years
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
Summary
This study investigates whether a structured physiotherapy program can help reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression in children and adolescents diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ASD and ADHD are neurodevelopmental conditions often associated with emotional and behavioral challenges, including elevated levels of psychological distress. The physiotherapy intervention includes techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing, acupressure, relaxation exercises, proprioceptive activities, and therapeutic positions designed to support emotional regulation. Children aged 6-18 years are randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving the physiotherapy program or a control group receiving usual care. The purpose of the study is to evaluate whether this physiotherapy protocol can positively influence emotional well-being and behavioral indicators related to ASD and ADHD. Outcomes are assessed using validated questionnaires measuring stress, anxiety, depression, and disorder-related behavioral characteristics before and after the intervention.
Detailed description
This study examines the implementation of a structured physiotherapy program designed for children and adolescents diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The intervention includes breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, proprioceptive activities, and therapeutic postures aimed at supporting emotional regulation and reducing psychological distress. Participants aged 6 to 18 years are randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving the physiotherapy program or a control group receiving usual care. Standardized assessment tools are used to measure stress, anxiety, depression, and behavioral characteristics related to ASD and ADHD. The study follows a parallel-group randomized design and aims to evaluate the feasibility and potential therapeutic impact of physiotherapy-based approaches in this population.
Conditions
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Interventions
| Type | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| BEHAVIORAL | Structured Physiotherapy Program | A structured multimodal physiotherapy program including sensorimotor integration exercises, balance and coordination training, postural control activities, therapeutic physical activity, breathing regulation techniques, and proprioceptive stimulation. The intervention is tailored to children and adolescents with ASD or ADHD and aims to improve emotional regulation, reduce anxiety, enhance behavioral self-control, and promote overall mental health. |
Timeline
- Start date
- 2022-06-28
- Primary completion
- 2023-07-15
- Completion
- 2023-07-15
- First posted
- 2025-11-17
- Last updated
- 2025-11-17
Locations
1 site across 1 country: Greece
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov record NCT07231354. Inclusion in this directory is not an endorsement.