Autism Spectrum Disorder
Conditions
Brief summary
This randomized clinical trial studied whether an adapted aquatic exercise program could improve behavior and physical abilities in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Thirty-five boys aged 6 to 12 years with mild ASD participated in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to either an aquatic exercise group or a control group. The aquatic exercise group took part in a structured, individualized swimming and water-based exercise program twice per week for 16 weeks, while the control group continued their regular academic education without additional exercise. The program focused on water safety, breathing control, and basic swimming movements. Outcomes were measured before and after the 16-week period. Autism-related behaviors were evaluated using the Autism Behavior Checklist. Physical abilities were assessed using flexibility (sit-and-reach test) and handgrip strength measurements. The study aimed to determine whether regular participation in adapted aquatic exercise could reduce autism-related behaviors and improve motor skills that are important for daily life activities in children with ASD.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALAdapted Aquatic Exercise Program
A structured adapted aquatic exercise program conducted over 16 weeks, with two 50-minute sessions per week. Sessions were delivered individually by certified adapted swimming instructors and included water familiarization, pool safety, breathing exercises, upper- and lower-limb propulsion, and progressive freestyle swimming skills.
OTHERAcademic Instruction
Standard academic education provided by the school without participation in structured physical activity or aquatic exercise programs during the study period.
Sponsors
Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University
Aksaray University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Masking description
Due to the nature of the exercise intervention, participants and instructors could not be blinded. However, outcome assessment and data analysis were conducted by researchers who were blinded to group allocation.
Intervention model description
Participants were stratified by speech impairment status and randomly assigned to either an adapted aquatic exercise group or a control group. Both groups were followed concurrently over a 16-week intervention period.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
MALE
Age
6 Years to 12 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Male children aged 6 to 12 years * Clinical diagnosis of mild autism spectrum disorder confirmed by a licensed -child psychiatrist according to DSM-5 criteria * Medical clearance for participation in aquatic exercise * Ability to follow verbal and visual instructions * Ability to imitate fine and gross motor movements * Independent in toileting * Not participating in structured sports or exercise programs other than standard academic instruction * Written informed consent provided by a parent or legal guardian
Exclusion criteria
* Severe autism spectrum disorder * Orthopedic, neurological, or medical conditions that contraindicate participation in aquatic exercise * Current participation in structured physical training or sports programs outside of school * Inability to safely participate in water-based activities
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Handgrip Strength | Baseline and 16 weeks | Handgrip strength was measured using a calibrated handgrip dynamometer. Participants performed maximal voluntary contractions, and the highest valid value (kilograms) was recorded. |
| Autism-Related Behaviors | Baseline and 16 weeks | Autism-related behaviors were assessed using the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC), a 57-item questionnaire completed by classroom teachers familiar with the participants' daily behavior patterns. Higher total scores indicate greater severity of autism-related behaviors. |
| Flexibility | Baseline and 16 weeks | Flexibility will be assessed using the sit-and-reach test with a standardized sit-and-reach box. Participants perform three trials, and the best score (in centimeters) is recorded for analysis. The score represents the maximum forward reach distance. The scale is continuous, with higher values indicating greater flexibility. Typical values range from negative values (unable to reach the toes) to approximately 30-40 cm, depending on performance. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed