RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07578987

Effects of Kinetic Sand on Functional Reach and Eye-Hand Coordination in Children With Autism

Sponsor

Riphah International University

Enrollment

17 participants

Start Date

Oct 28, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Summary

A quasi-experimental pre-post study will be conducted at pediatric therapy clinics and special education centers, involving 17 children aged 6-12 years diagnosed with mild to moderate ASD, selected through convenient sampling. The intervention will consist of kinetic sand play for 30 minutes, three times per week, over six weeks, including activities such as molding objects, searching for hidden items, and free play to enhance creativity, grip strength, and coordination. Eye-hand coordination and functional reach will be assessed using the Purdue Pegboard Test (PPT) and the Functional Reach Test. Data will be analyzed using SPSS Version 26 with paired t-tests or appropriate non-parametric methods. Ethical approval will be obtained from the Research Ethical Committee of Riphah International University, Lahore.

Eligibility

Min Age: 6 YearsMax Age: 12 Years

Inclusion Criteria4

According to DSM-5 criteria, characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction
Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior or interests
Children demonstrating measurable impairments in functional reach and eye-hand coordination
Able to follow instructions

Exclusion Criteria3

Children with severe intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy or other neurological conditions that significantly impair motor function
Children currently receiving other intensive occupational or physical therapy targeting functional reach or eye-hand coordination
Presence of musculoskeletal deformities, severe visual impairments, or other medical conditions independently affecting motor skills or coordination

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Interventions

OTHERKinetic Sand Play

After obtaining consent, the patient was introduced to a rehabilitation protocol combining traditional physiotherapy for the wrist and hand with kinetic sand therapy. The program included range of motion exercises, grip strengthening, and kinetic sand activities, performed for 40 minutes per session, 6 days per week, over 7 weeks. This comprehensive approach aimed to reduce pain and swelling while improving hand function, strength, and coordination.