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Autism Spectrum DisorderNCT07381504

Aerobic Exercise for Sleep in Children With ASD

A study testing Intervention 1: Acute Aerobic Exercise, Intervention 2: Parent-Mediated Cognitive Behavioral Training and Parent Self-Education Program in people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, run by National Taiwan University Hospital at 1 site in Taiwan.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by impairments in social interaction and communication. Children with ASD frequently experience co-occurring behavioral problems, among which sleep disturbances are highly prevalent, affecting approximately 40%-80% of children and… Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 3 to 11 years
Conditions the study is for
Autism Spectrum Disorder
What is being tested?
Intervention 1: Acute Aerobic Exercise, Intervention 2: Parent-Mediated Cognitive Behavioral Training and Parent Self-Education Program
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
120 participants
Where
1 siteTaiwan
Study dates
15 Apr 2025to 1 Aug 2026
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 3 to 11 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Child

Who may be able to join

  • Children aged 3-11 years
  • Clinical diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and a comorbid sleep disorder
  • No diagnosis of genetic or chromosomal disorders, such as Down syndrome or Fragile X syndrome.

Who cannot join

  • Children with physical disabilities or visual or hearing impairments
  • Children who are unable to participate in vigorous physical activity due to any medical condition
  • Children with other psychiatric disorders.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Yen-Tzu Wu, PhD contact

+8862963663269

yenwu@ntu.edu.tw

Taiwan1 site, 1 recruiting
  • School and Graduate of Physical Therapy

    Taipei, 10055

    Yen-Tzu Wu, PhD, 886-2963663269, yenwu@ntu.edu.tw

    Recruiting

Other trials in Taiwan

About this study

Official title: Acute Aerobic Exercise Intervention for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Co-Occurring Sleep Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by impairments in social interaction and communication. Children with ASD frequently experience co-occurring behavioral problems, among which sleep disturbances are highly prevalent, affecting approximately 40%-80% of children and adolescents with ASD. These sleep problems pose a substantial burden during childhood and adolescence.

This study employs a two-phase design to examine the effects of an acute aerobic exercise intervention combined with a parent-mediated cognitive behavioral program on sleep problems in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Phase 1 consists of cross-sectional assessments comparing sleep efficiency, physical fitness, and attentional performance among children with ASD with and without sleep problems and typically developing children. Phase 2 is a randomized controlled intervention trial involving children with ASD and comorbid sleep problems, in which participants are assigned to either an aerobic exercise plus cognitive behavioral intervention group or a control group receiving cognitive behavioral strategy materials only. The intervention lasts two weeks. Outcomes related to autistic symptoms, sleep efficiency, physical activity level, attentional performance , and adaptive behaviors are assessed before and after the intervention to evaluate intervention effects.

Read the detailed description

This study employs a two-phase design to investigate the effects of an acute aerobic exercise intervention combined with a parent-mediated cognitive behavioral program on sleep problems in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In Phase 1, cross-sectional assessments of sleep efficiency, physical fitness, and attentional performance will be conducted among children with ASD with and without sleep problems, as well as typically developing children. Phase 2 consists of a randomized intervention trial involving children with ASD and comorbid sleep problems.

During Phase 2, Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: (1) an acute aerobic exercise combined with cognitive behavioral intervention group, or (2) a control group receiving cognitive behavioral strategies only. The intervention period will last two weeks.

The acute aerobic exercise program will consist of moderate-to-vigorous-intensity intermittent aerobic exercise conducted twice per week, with each session lasting 30 minutes. Exercise intensity will be monitored and prescribed using standardized heart rate-based criteria to ensure participant safety and adherence to the target intensity range. Exercise sessions will be supervised by trained research staff.

The cognitive behavioral component is parent-mediated. Parents in both groups will receive structured training in cognitive behavioral strategies targeting sleep-related behaviors, including sleep routines, environmental modifications, and behavioral reinforcement techniques. Parents will be instructed to implement these strategies consistently at home on a daily basis throughout the intervention period. Adherence to the intervention will be monitored through parental reports and regular communication with the research team.

Outcome measures, including autistic symptoms, sleep efficiency, physical activity level, attentional performance and adaptive behaviors, will be assessed before and after the intervention to evaluate the effectiveness of the two intervention approaches.

Being tested
Intervention 1: Acute Aerobic Exercise, Intervention 2: Parent-Mediated Cognitive Behavioral Training, Parent Self-Education Program
Keywords
Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sleep Disorders, Acute Aerobic Exercise, Physical Fitness, Children
Medical subject headings
Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sleep Wake Disorders

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Intervention 1: Acute Aerobic ExerciseBehavioural

    Moderate-to-vigorous-intensity intermittent aerobic exercise conducted twice per week, 30 minutes per session, over a 2-week period. Exercise intensity is prescribed and monitored using heart rate-based criteria. All sessions are supervised by trained research staff.

  • Intervention 2: Parent-Mediated Cognitive Behavioral TrainingBehavioural

    Structured parent training in cognitive behavioral strategies targeting sleep-related behaviors, including sleep routines, environmental modifications, and behavioral reinforcement techniques. Parents are instructed to implement strategies daily at home throughout the intervention period.

  • Parent Self-Education ProgramBehavioural

    Children with ASD in the control group were provided with a Cognitive Behavioral Strategy Information, in which parents received written materials describing cognitive behavioral strategies relevant to supporting children's self-regulation and daily behaviors. Parents were encouraged to review the materials and apply the strategies at home as they deemed appropriate. No structured training sessions or supervised implementation were provided.

Study groups in NCT07381504
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Aerobic-Cognitive Behavioral Integrated Intervention (ACBI) programExperimentalThe Aerobic-Cognitive Behavioral Integrated Intervention (ACBI) combines supervised moderate-to-vigorous aerobic exercise (twice weekly, 30 minutes per session for 2 weeks) with a parent-mediated cognitive behavioral component targeting sleep-related behaviors. Exercise intensity is monitored using heart rate-based criteria. Parents receive structured guidance and implement cognitive behavioral strategies daily at home throughout the intervention period.
Receives: Behavioral: Intervention 1: Acute Aerobic Exercise; Behavioral: Intervention 2: Parent-Mediated Cognitive Behavioral Training
Control groupActive comparatorProvision of written materials describing cognitive behavioral strategies for managing sleep-related behaviors in children with ASD. No structured training sessions or supervised implementation are provided.
Receives: Behavioral: Parent Self-Education Program

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Sleep Efficiency Assessed by Actigraphy

    Sleep efficiency will be calculated as the percentage of total sleep time divided by time in bed, measured using wrist-worn actigraphy.

    Measured: Baseline and post-intervention at Week 2

Secondary outcomes (7)
  1. Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition (SRS-2)

    Social functioning and autism-related social impairments were assessed using the Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition (SRS-2). The SRS-2 is a standardized, caregiver-report questionnaire designed to quantify the severity of social communication deficits and restricted and repetitive behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorder.

    The scale consists of 65 items rated on a 4-point Likert scale, with higher scores indicating greater levels of social impairment. Raw scores were converted to age- and sex-normed T-scores according to the test manual, yielding a total score and five subscale scores: Social Awareness, Social Cognition, Social Communication, Social Motivation, and Restricted Interests and Repetitive Behavior. Higher scores indicating greater severity of autism-related social impairments.

    Measured: Baseline and post-intervention at Week 2

  2. Continuous Performance Test (CPT)

    Attentional performance was assessed using the Continuous Performance Test (CPT), a computerized task designed to evaluate sustained attention and inhibitory control. During the test, children were required to respond to target stimuli and withhold responses to non-target stimuli over a continuous period of time. Key outcome measures included omission errors (failures to respond to target stimuli), commission errors (responses to non-target stimuli), reaction time, and reaction time variability, which together reflect attentional capacity, impulsivity, and response consistency.

    Measured: Baseline and post-intervention at Week 2

  3. Physical activity assessment

    Children's physical activity level was assessed using a caregiver-reported diary, which captured the frequency and duration of children's engagement in daily physical activities. This measure provided an estimate of overall physical activity participation, including total activity duration and time spent in daily activities.

    Measured: Baseline and post-intervention at Week 2

  4. Chinese Version of Obstructive Sleep Apnea-18 Questionnaire (OSA-18)

    Sleep-disordered breathing-related quality of life was assessed using the Chinese version of the Obstructive Sleep Apnea-18 Questionnaire (OSA-18), a caregiver-reported instrument designed to evaluate the impact of obstructive sleep apnea symptoms on children's daily functioning and well-being.

    The questionnaire consists of 18 items rated on a Likert-type scale, yielding a total score and five domain scores: Sleep Disturbance, Physical Symptoms, Emotional Distress, Daytime Functioning, and Caregiver Concerns. Higher scores indicate greater symptom burden and poorer sleep-related quality of life.

    Measured: Baseline and post-intervention at Week 2

  5. Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised (RBS-R)

    Restricted and repetitive behaviors were assessed using the Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised (RBS-R), a caregiver-reported questionnaire designed to quantify the presence and severity of repetitive and stereotyped behaviors commonly observed in individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

    The RBS-R consists of multiple items rated on a Likert-type scale, yielding a total score and subscale scores reflecting distinct domains of repetitive behavior, including Stereotyped Behavior, Self-injurious Behavior, Compulsive Behavior, Ritualistic Behavior, Sameness Behavior, and Restricted Interests. Higher scores indicate greater severity of repetitive behavior symptoms.

    Measured: Baseline and post-intervention at Week 2

  6. Chinese Version of the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire- Autism (CSHQ-Autism)

    Sleep behaviors were assessed using the Chinese version of the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire-Autism (CSHQ-Autism), a caregiver-reported questionnaire specifically adapted to evaluate sleep habits and sleep-related problems in children with autism spectrum disorder.

    The questionnaire consists of multiple items rated on a Likert-type scale, yielding a total sleep disturbance score and domain-specific scores reflecting common sleep difficulties, such as bedtime resistance, sleep onset delay, sleep duration, sleep anxiety, night wakings, parasomnias, sleep-disordered breathing, and daytime sleepiness. Higher scores indicate more severe sleep problems.

    Measured: Baseline and post-intervention at Week 2

  7. Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Third Edition (Vineland-3)

    Adaptive functioning was assessed using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Third Edition (Vineland-3). The Vineland-3 is a standardized caregiver-report measure designed to evaluate adaptive behaviors required for daily functioning across developmental domains.

    The assessment yields standard scores for the Adaptive Behavior Composite and domain scores for Communication, Daily Living Skills, Socialization, and Motor Skills, based on age-normed data. Higher scores indicate better adaptive functioning.

    Measured: Baseline and post-intervention at Week 2

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted2 Feb 2026
  2. Study start15 Apr 2025
  3. Primary completion31 Jul 2026 (estimated)
  4. Study completion1 Aug 2026 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
120 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07381504
Sponsor's protocol ID
202407160RINE
Status last verified
Dec 2025
First submitted
28 Dec 2025
Last updated
14 Jul 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No

Publications

  • Lu PT, Yang CY, Huang FY, Chen YC, Chang JC, Cheong PL, Wu YT. Interval-Based Aerobic Exercise and Behavioral Intervention for Sleep Disturbances in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Autism Res. 2026 Aug 30:e70361. doi: 10.1002/aur.70361. Online ahead of print.

    PubMed 42669612

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Intervention 1: Acute Aerobic Exercise, Intervention 2: Parent-Mediated Cognitive Behavioral Training and Parent Self-Education Program in people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, run by National Taiwan University Hospital at 1 site in Taiwan.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 14 Jul 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Taiwan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Yen-Tzu Wu, PhD (+8862963663269, yenwu@ntu.edu.tw), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Sleep Efficiency Assessed by Actigraphy (time frame: Baseline and post-intervention at Week 2). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07381504, which also lists 1 linked publication.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 14 Jul 2026.

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