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.
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.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
44
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.
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.
Rising Sun Institute
Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan
RECRUITINGPediatric Berg's balance scale for balance assessment
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.
Time frame: Baseline, 4th week
6-minute walk test
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).
Time frame: Baseline, 4th week
Gait outcome assessment list
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.
Time frame: Baseline, 4th week
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