RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT06943274

SWOC Activities on Balance, Gait and Endurance in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Effects of Standardized Walking Obstacle Course (SWOC) Activities on Balance, Gait and Endurance in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Sponsor

Riphah International University

Enrollment

44 participants

Start Date

Apr 15, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Summary

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder characterized by challenges in social communication, social interaction, repetitive behaviors, and restrictive interests. Affecting 0.2-2% of children, ASD often includes motor growth retardation, which worsens over time. The disorder is more commonly diagnosed in boys, and its cause is believed to be genetic, with environmental stimuli potentially activating certain genes. This study aims to explore the effects of Standardized Walking Obstacle Course (SWOC) activities on balance, gait, and endurance in children with ASD, seeking to discover novel treatment techniques that could enhance clinical practices and improve motor skills in these children. This randomized controlled trial will be conducted over 10 months, with data collected from the Lahore Autism Center and PSRD hospital in Lahore, Punjab. The sample will include 44 children with confirmed ASD, aged 8 to 12 years, divided into two groups: one undergoing SWOC activities and the other receiving conventional physiotherapy. Interventions will occur 4 days a week for 30-40 minutes each day. Pre- and post-treatment measurements will be taken using the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and Functional Gait Assessment (FGA). Data will be analyzed using SPSS version 24, with statistical significance set at P = 0.05.

Eligibility

Min Age: 8 YearsMax Age: 12 Years

Inclusion Criteria4

Children with confirmed diagnosis of ASD.
Age of patients 8 to 12 year.
Both male and female.
Fall less than 15 times in 30 seconds in Flamingo balance scale test.

Exclusion Criteria3

Severe physical impairment.
Severe intellectual impairment.
Comorbid conditions that could prevent participation.

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Interventions

OTHERStandardized Walking Course Activities

A randomized controlled trial investigate the effect of a standard walking obstacle course on balance, gait and endurance in children with ASD. Activity could include navigating obstacles of varying height and width balancing on beam, stepping over hurdles and walking on different surfaces. * Balance activities * Gait activities * Endurance activities Start with easier task and end with difficulties. SWOC activities performs 2 to 3 times a week for 4weeks.

OTHERCommon Physical Activities

Either receive no interventions or engages in a different form of physical activities that doesn't focus on balance gait and endurance e.g standard physical education activities like walking, running, climbing, jumping along with applied behavioral therapy, speech therapy and customized physical therapy.