The effect of game-based exercises and horse therapy on autistic people

The effect of play-based training and Equine-assisted therapy on Executive Functions and Social Dimensions of adolescents with autism spectrum disorder

Status

Active, not recruiting

Phases

Unknown

Study type

Interventional

Source

IRCT

Registry ID

IRCT20180426039428N1

Enrollment

Registered

2024-05-11

Start date

2024-08-05

Completion date

Unknown

Last updated

2025-10-13

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Autism spectrum disorder. Childhood autismA type of pervasive developmental disorder that is defined by: (a) the presence of abnormal or impaired development that is manifest before the age of three years, and (b) the characteristic type of abnormal functioning in all the three ar

Interventions

Intervention 1: Intervention group: The first intervention group (horse therapy):This group will undergo horse therapy intervention for 8 weeks and 3 sessions of 60-70minutes each week. A typical equi

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

All

Age

10 Years to 14 Years

Inclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria: Teenagers with autism aged 10-14 All subjects have an IQ above 70 Subjects have high-functioning autism spectrum disorder

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion criteria: Suffering from disorders such as epilepsy, cerebral palsy or Down's syndrome and all kinds of mental retardation History of musculoskeletal injuries

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame
The score of executive function components based on the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF). Timepoint: At the beginning of the study (before the start of the intervention) and 8 weeks after the start of the intervention. Method of measurement: In order to measure the executive functions, the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) questionnaire-Parent form, will be used before and after the intervention.;The score of Social Dimensions components based on Stanford Social Dimensions Scale. Timepoint: At the beginning of the study (before the start of the intervention) and 8 weeks after the start of the intervention. Method of measurement: In order to measure the Social Dimensions, the Stanford Social Dimensions Scale will be filled by the subjects' parents before and after the intervention.;Serum levels of serotonin and dopamine. Timepoint: At the beginning of the study (before the start of the intervention) and 8 weeks after the start of the intervention. Method of measurement: In order to measure the serum levels of serotonin and dopamine, 5 cc of blood will be taken from the subjects after 12 hours of fasting. Then these variables are measured in the laboratory using special kits on a nanogram/ml scale.;The power and coherence of electroencephalographic activity. Timepoint: At the beginning of the study (before the start of the intervention) and 8 weeks after the start of the intervention. Method of measurement: The resting state EEG data will be collected using a 64-channel of the event-related potential recording system and PyCorder software with a sampling rate of 500 Hz. All subjects will wear a 64-channel electrode cap. The electrodes will be placed according to the international 10-20 system. Then the power and coherence of connections between eight pairs of electrodes will be calculated.	—

Measure

Time frame

The score of executive function components based on the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF). Timepoint: At the beginning of the study (before the start of the intervention) and 8 weeks after the start of the intervention. Method of measurement: In order to measure the executive functions, the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) questionnaire-Parent form, will be used before and after the intervention.;The score of Social Dimensions components based on Stanford Social Dimensions Scale. Timepoint: At the beginning of the study (before the start of the intervention) and 8 weeks after the start of the intervention. Method of measurement: In order to measure the Social Dimensions, the Stanford Social Dimensions Scale will be filled by the subjects' parents before and after the intervention.;Serum levels of serotonin and dopamine. Timepoint: At the beginning of the study (before the start of the intervention) and 8 weeks after the start of the intervention. Method of measurement: In order to measure the serum levels of serotonin and dopamine, 5 cc of blood will be taken from the subjects after 12 hours of fasting. Then these variables are measured in the laboratory using special kits on a nanogram/ml scale.;The power and coherence of electroencephalographic activity. Timepoint: At the beginning of the study (before the start of the intervention) and 8 weeks after the start of the intervention. Method of measurement: The resting state EEG data will be collected using a 64-channel of the event-related potential recording system and PyCorder software with a sampling rate of 500 Hz. All subjects will wear a 64-channel electrode cap. The electrodes will be placed according to the international 10-20 system. Then the power and coherence of connections between eight pairs of electrodes will be calculated.

—

Countries

Iran (Islamic Republic of)

Contacts

Public ContactSeyyed Fardin Qeysari

The University of Tehran

fardin.qeysari@ut.ac.ir+98 87 3621 0062

Outcome results

None listed

Source: IRCT (via WHO ICTRP) · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026