None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
Extensive research has demonstrated that yoga is beneficial for general physical and mental health and well-being. However, only limited yoga-based interventions have been developed specifically for children living with Autism, with mixed results in reducing psychological distress and enhancing wellbeing. This study aims to understand the effects of a novel yoga intervention for reducing anxiety in children (aged 6 to 18) with Autism. This intervention is developed and co-designed with considerations of the special needs of children living with Autism, and it is primarily focusing on yoga postures, mindfulness awareness, breathing and relaxation training. The classes will run online, 1 hour per week for 8 weeks in a group setting.
Interventions
A novel 8-week yoga intervention will be utilised in this study. Participants will attend a 1-hour online yoga session weekly, in groups of up to 30. The intervention will include components of yoga postures, breath work, mindfulness, and relaxation. The class will be delivered by a yoga instructor and supervised by researchers, as well as the parents of participants if desired. Attendance checklists will be used to monitor intervention adherence.
Sponsors
Tundi Loftus
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used) (Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
6 Years to 18 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Children aged 6 to 18 years with an Autism diagnosis (DSM-V, or ICD-10). As this study uses language-based tests and self-report questionnaires in English, we are looking for native English speakers or multilingual families who have basic English proficiency.
Exclusion criteria
Traumatic brain injury or other psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia) that prevents engagement.
Outcome results
None listed