Effects Of DPPT On Motor Skills And Sleep In Children With Autism
Effects of Wilbarger Deep Pressure and Proprioceptive Technique (DPPT) on Motor Skills and Sleep Pattern in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Riphah International University
40 participants
Oct 29, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
It will be conducted as a Quasi Experimental study across pediatric therapy centers, specialized autism clinics, and special schools. Using non-probability convenience sampling, the study will enroll Autistic children aged 6-10 years who exhibit sensory processing difficulties, motor skill delays, and sleep disturbances. Exclusion criteria include other neurological or developmental disorders and children with major physical problems. Motor skills will be assessed with the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2), and sleep quality will be measured using the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ). Participants will be receiving Wilbarger DPPT along with their usual therapy sessions, which may include general occupational therapy, physical therapy, ABA etc. The DPPT intervention will occur three times per week for six weeks, with each session lasting approximately 30-45 minutes, including brushing, joint compressions, and calming activities. Data will be collected at baseline and post-intervention, focusing on motor skill improvement and sleep quality changes. SPSS version 23 will be used for statistical analysis.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria5
- Children diagnosed with Autism
- Both Genders Males and Females
- Age 6-11
- Autistic children diagnosed with sensory processing disorder and reported with motor skill delays and sleep disturbances.
- Children scoring within the "Definite Difference" range in sensory processing areas on the Sensory Profile 2.
Exclusion Criteria3
- Children with other neurological or Developmental disorders
- No serious physical or behavioral impairments (blindness and deafness)
- Children with multiple diagnosis along with ASD.
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Interventions
Participants will receive the Wilbarger Deep Pressure and Proprioceptive Technique (DPPT). Each session will begin in a calm, quiet environment to reduce distractions, with the therapist explaining the process in simple terms. The brushing protocol involves using a soft surgical brush to apply firm yet gentle deep pressure to the arms, back, legs, and feet for about 5-10 minutes. This is followed by gentle joint compressions to the shoulders, elbows, knees, and ankles, each held for 3-5 seconds, lasting another 5-10 minutes. Afterward, calming activities such as deep breathing or quiet play help the child integrate the sensory input. The DPPT will be administered three times per week for six weeks, with each session lasting approximately 30-45 minutes, including brushing, joint compressions, and calming activities.
Locations(1)
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NCT07248254