Autism Spectrum DisorderNCT07410897
Adapted Aquatic Exercise and Behavioral Outcomes, Flexibility, and Handgrip Strength in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
A study testing Adapted Aquatic Exercise Program and Academic Instruction in people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, run by Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial 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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 6 to 12 years, men only
- Conditions the study is for
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- What is being tested?
- Adapted Aquatic Exercise Program and Academic Instruction
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 35 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 Dec 2025to 6 Feb 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
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 6 to 12 years
- Men only
- No healthy volunteers
- Child
Who may be able to join
- 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
Who cannot join
- 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
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Effects of Adapted Aquatic Exercise on Behavioral Outcomes, Flexibility, and Handgrip Strength in Male Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial
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.
Read more
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.
- Conditions
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Being tested
- Adapted Aquatic Exercise Program, Academic Instruction
- Medical subject headings
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Adapted Aquatic Exercise ProgramBehavioural
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.
Academic InstructionOther
Standard academic education provided by the school without participation in structured physical activity or aquatic exercise programs during the study period.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Adapted Aquatic Exercise Group | Experimental | Participants in this group participated in a 16-week adapted aquatic exercise program in addition to their regular academic instruction. The program was delivered twice per week for 50 minutes per session and focused on water safety, breathing control, limb propulsion, and progressive freestyle swimming skills using individualized, one-to-one instruction. Receives: Behavioral: Adapted Aquatic Exercise Program |
| Control Group (Academic Instruction Only) | Other | Participants in this group continued to receive their regular academic instruction only and did not participate in any structured physical or aquatic exercise programs during the study period. Receives: Other: Academic Instruction |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Handgrip Strength
Handgrip strength was measured using a calibrated handgrip dynamometer. Participants performed maximal voluntary contractions, and the highest valid value (kilograms) was recorded.
Measured: Baseline and 16 weeks
Autism-Related Behaviors
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.
Measured: Baseline and 16 weeks
Flexibility
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.
Measured: Baseline and 16 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted13 Feb 2026
- Study start1 Dec 2025
- Primary completion5 Feb 2026
- Study completion6 Feb 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Autism Spectrum DisorderStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
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
- 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.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 35 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Aksaray University
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Monira Aldhahi, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07410897
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- PNU-11
- Status last verified
- Mar 2026
- First submitted
- 7 Feb 2026
- Last updated
- 19 Mar 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 19 Mar 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Adapted Aquatic Exercise on Behavioral Outcomes, Flexibility, and Handgrip Strength in Male Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07410897
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- PNU-11
- Conditions
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 35 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Aksaray University
- Study start
- 1 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 5 Feb 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 6 Feb 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 13 Feb 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- 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.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Adapted Aquatic Exercise Group | Experimental | Behavioral: Adapted Aquatic Exercise ProgramParticipants in this group participated in a 16-week adapted aquatic exercise program in addition to their regular academic instruction. The program was delivered twice per week for 50 minutes per session and focused on water safety, breathing control, limb propulsion, and progressive freestyle swimming skills using individualized, one-to-one instruction. |
| Control Group (Academic Instruction Only) | Other | Other: Academic InstructionParticipants in this group continued to receive their regular academic instruction only and did not participate in any structured physical or aquatic exercise programs during the study period. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 6 to 12 years
- Sex
- Male only
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Child
Key inclusion criteria (8 listed)
- 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
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- 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
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Adapted Aquatic Exercise ProgramA 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. | Behavioural | Adapted Aquatic Exercise Group |
| Academic InstructionStandard academic education provided by the school without participation in structured physical activity or aquatic exercise programs during the study period. | Other | Control Group (Academic Instruction Only) |
Primary outcome
Handgrip Strength
Time frame: 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
Time frame: 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
Time frame: 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.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 19 Mar 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Adapted Aquatic Exercise Program and Academic Instruction in people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, run by Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
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 8 inclusion and 4 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: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 19 Mar 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 Turkey (Türkiye). 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?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Handgrip Strength (time frame: Baseline and 16 weeks). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
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 19 Mar 2026.