NCT07410897

Adapted Aquatic Exercise and Behavioral Outcomes, Flexibility, and Handgrip Strength in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Effects of Adapted Aquatic Exercise on Behavioral Outcomes, Flexibility, and Handgrip Strength in Male Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 35 (actual)
• Sponsor: Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University · Academic / Other
• Sex: Male
• Age: 6 Years – 12 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This randomized clinical trial studied whether an adapted aquatic exercise program could improve behavior and physical abilities in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Thirty-five boys aged 6 to 12 years with mild ASD participated in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to either an aquatic exercise group or a control group. The aquatic exercise group took part in a structured, individualized swimming and water-based exercise program twice per week for 16 weeks, while the control group continued their regular academic education without additional exercise. The program focused on water safety, breathing control, and basic swimming movements. Outcomes were measured before and after the 16-week period. Autism-related behaviors were evaluated using the Autism Behavior Checklist. Physical abilities were assessed using flexibility (sit-and-reach test) and handgrip strength measurements. The study aimed to determine whether regular participation in adapted aquatic exercise could reduce autism-related behaviors and improve motor skills that are important for daily life activities in children with ASD.

Conditions

• Autism Spectrum Disorder

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Adapted Aquatic Exercise Program	A structured adapted aquatic exercise program conducted over 16 weeks, with two 50-minute sessions per week. Sessions were delivered individually by certified adapted swimming instructors and included water familiarization, pool safety, breathing exercises, upper- and lower-limb propulsion, and progressive freestyle swimming skills.
OTHER	Academic Instruction	Standard academic education provided by the school without participation in structured physical activity or aquatic exercise programs during the study period.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-12-01
• Primary completion: 2026-02-05
• Completion: 2026-02-06
• First posted: 2026-02-13
• Last updated: 2026-03-19

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)