Autism Spectrum Disorder
Conditions
Keywords
Autism Spectrum Disorder, Balance, Standardized Obstacle Course, Pediatric balance scale, 6-minute walk test
Brief 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.
Detailed description
4 weeks treatment plan. Group A: A randomized controlled trial investigate the effect of a standard walking obstacle course activities 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. 2-3 times for 4 weeks. Balance beam Stepping stones Hurdle Markers Soft Mats Balance activities Gait and Endurance activities Group B: 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. 2-3 times for 4 weeks.
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.
Sponsors
Riphah International University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
OTHER
Masking
SINGLE (Subject)
Masking description
The participants were blinded throughout the session but therapist and assessor were not be so it was a single blinded session.
Intervention model description
A randomized controlled trial performed, in which 44 children with age of 8-12 years will be taken randomly after meeting inclusion criteria. Children will be divided into two groups. Group A will receive a standard walking obstacle course (e.g balance beam, stepping stones, hurdles, soft mats, gait and endurance activities) 2-3 times a week. Group B will receive other form of physical activities such as standard physical activities (e.g walking, running, climbing, jumping) 2-3 times a week. Pre values were taken at 1st week and post values of intervention will be taken after 4th week of intervention to measure the effects of both therapies.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
8 Years to 12 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* 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 criteria
* Severe physical impairment. * Severe intellectual impairment. * Comorbid conditions that could prevent participation.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pediatric Berg's balance scale for balance assessment | Baseline, 4th week | The Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), a modification of Berg's Balance Scale, was developed as a balance measure for school-age children with mild to moderate motor impairments. Scoring of PBS is from 0 to 56 and more scores means balance is good and less scores indicated poor balance.intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) model 3,1 = 0.998 or individual items Kappa Coefficients, k = 0.87 to 1.0; Spearman Rank Correlation Coefficients, r = 0.89 to 1.0 (21). 3.8.2. |
| 6-minute walk test | Baseline, 4th week | The 6-minute walk test is a submaximal exercise test used to quantify the functional exercise capacity in clinical populations. Test-retest reliability was undertaken in 52 subjects, and the intraclass correlation coefficient (95% confidence interval) was calculated as 0.94 (0.89-0.96). |
| Gait outcome assessment list | Baseline, 4th week | Gait outcome assessment is used to measure and analyze an individual's walking ability, commonly employed in clinical settings for rehabilitation assessment or functional evaluation. It involves scoring parameters like speed, stride length, cadence, and balance during walking tests. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) is 0.89. |
Countries
Pakistan
Contacts
Primary ContactIMRAN AMJAD, PhD
Backup ContactMuhammad Asif Javed, MS-PT
Outcome results
None listed