Effects of water-based therapy on balance, mobility, motor function and behavior in children with Autism: a randomized clinical trial

Effects of adding water-based therapy to land-based psychomotor rehabilitation in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder on balance, mobility, motor function and behavior: a randomized clinical trial

Status

Active, not recruiting

Phases

Unknown

Study type

Interventional

Source

REBEC

Registry ID

RBR-3fkv888

Enrollment

Registered

2026-04-08

Start date

2026-07-04

Completion date

Unknown

Last updated

2026-04-27

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

Conditions

Autism Spectrum Disorder Child Development Disorders, Pervasive

Interventions

This is a randomized controlled clinical trial with two parallel arms and a single-blind design. To ensure blinding, independent evaluators will be used, who will not be aware of the participants’ all

Eligibility

Age

5 Years to 10 Years

Inclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria: The study will include children aged 5 to 10 years; who have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder made by a specialized medical professional; who are at support level 1 or level 2; who are regularly undergoing psychomotor rehabilitation; whose parents or legal guardians consent to participation in the study.

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion criteria: Individuals with fear of water immersion; those who exhibit aggressive behavior; those who are participating in other aquatic activities (such as swimming) at the time of the study will be excluded

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame
It is expected to observe improvement in balance, evidenced by an increase in scores on the Pediatric Balance Scale. Data will be collected at two different time points: before the intervention and one week after the intervention.	—

Secondary

Measure	Time frame
It is expected to observe improvement in mobility, evidenced by a reduction in the time required to complete the Timed Up and Go test. Data will be collected at two different time points: before the intervention and one week after the intervention;It is expected to observe improvement in motor function, evidenced by an increase in scores on the Test of Gross Motor Development – Second Edition (TGMD-2). Data will be collected at two different time points: before the intervention and one week after the intervention;It is expected to observe improvement in behavior, evidenced by a reduction in scores on the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC). Data will be collected at two different time points: before the intervention and one week after the intervention	—

Measure

Time frame

It is expected to observe improvement in mobility, evidenced by a reduction in the time required to complete the Timed Up and Go test. Data will be collected at two different time points: before the intervention and one week after the intervention;It is expected to observe improvement in motor function, evidenced by an increase in scores on the Test of Gross Motor Development – Second Edition (TGMD-2). Data will be collected at two different time points: before the intervention and one week after the intervention;It is expected to observe improvement in behavior, evidenced by a reduction in scores on the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC). Data will be collected at two different time points: before the intervention and one week after the intervention

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Countries

Contacts

Public ContactCarolina Santos

Universidade Federal da Bahia

carolinaavila.fisio@gmail.com+55(71)992344717

Outcome results

None listed

Source: REBEC (via WHO ICTRP) · Data processed: May 1, 2026