Achilles Tendon and Ankle Characterization in Adults With Autism

N/ANot Yet RecruitingNCT07634965

University of Haifa80 enrolled

Overview

This study aims to identify ankle structural and functional profiles associated with sensory responsiveness and toe walking in adults with ASD. Expected outcomes include detecting group differences between adults with ASD and matched controls and identifying associations among sensory responsiveness, toe-walking status, and objective ankle measures.

This study aims to examine ankle musculoskeletal characteristics in adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. A cross-sectional, community-based comparative study will enroll 80 adults aged 18-40, including 40 adults with ASD recruited in partnership with a supported residential community and 40 age- and sex-matched controls. Participants will complete a single assessment session evaluating ankle musculoskeletal characteristics, including tendon structure using ultrasonographic tissue characterization (UTC), ankle strength and range of motion, proprioceptive discrimination using the AMEDA apparatus, and assessment of current and past toe walking, alongside quantitative evaluation of sensory responsiveness using a validated questionnaire (Sensory Responsiveness Questionnaire - SQR). Group comparisons will evaluate differences in ankle structure and function, and association analyses will evaluate relationships among sensory responsiveness, toe-walking status, and ankle measures within the ASD group. Findings will inform the identification of preliminary clinical indicators to support the development of future community-based screening and physiotherapy interventions.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

Conditions

Autism Disorder

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 40 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * a diagnosis of ASD, or with another diagnosis that includes features of ASD (such as fragile x), * independent in daily activities, * live alone, * have a moderate-high level of functioning. * Ability to understand basic instructions for performing the tests, signing an informed consent form or having a guardian sign an informed consent form Exclusion criteria: * other neurological diseases (e.g., CP, multiple sclerosis), * significant orthopedic injuries to the lower limb in the past year, * previous ankle or Achilles tendon surgeries, * additional diseases that may affect the structure of the Achilles tendon and ankle, * who have not signed an informed consent form or are not interested in participating in the study

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Achilles tendon

Achilles tendon structure via an ultrasound tissue characterization device

Time frame: baseline

Secondary Outcomes

sensory responsiveness

Sensory Responsiveness Questionnaire. scale from 58-290 when higher score represent increased responsiveness

Time frame: baseline

ankle joint range of motion

range of motion measured by goniometer in degrees

Time frame: baseline

ankle joint muscle strength

ankle joint muscle strength measured by hand held dynamometer (in KgF)

Time frame: baseline

toe walking

The presence of toe walking via observation on gait (presence / absence)

Time frame: baseline

Central Contacts

Gali Dar, PhD

CONTACT

+972505662054 gdar@univ.haifa.ac.il

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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