Autism Spectrum DisorderNCT07484347
Combined Effects of Sensorimotor Integration and Post-facilitation Stretch in Autism Spectrum Disorder
A study testing Sensorimotor Integration and Post-Facilitation Stretch and Post-Facilitation Stretch in people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
To determine the effects of sensory motor integration and post facilitation stretch on toe walking and sensory processing behaviors using Foot Posture Index and Sensory Profile respectively. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 4 to 10 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- What is being tested?
- Sensorimotor Integration and Post-Facilitation Stretch and Post-Facilitation Stretch
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 36 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 20 Feb 2026to 10 Jun 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 4 to 10 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Child
Who may be able to join
- Children with diagnosed Mild Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Presenting with toe walk as a prominent feature of Autism Spectrum Disorder (e.g., more than 50% of steps observed during a gait assessment). Toe walking should be entirely because of Achilles tightness.
- Able to follow simple verbal commands.
- Sufficient gross motor skills present.
Who cannot join
- Toe walking due to neurological (e.g., cerebral palsy, spina bifida, peripheral neuropathy) or orthopedic disorders (e.g., clubfoot, leg length discrepancy > 1 cm, hip dysplasia, contractures not related to idiopathic toe walking) and other behavioral factors that could be the primary cause of toe walking will be excluded.
- History of Achilles tendon surgery or lower limb surgery.
- Current participation in another physical therapy intervention targeting gait or posture
- Severe behavioral/sensory issues that would interfere with treatment sessions i.e. severe Autism Spectrum Disorder with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder as well as mental retardation.
- Non-ambulatory children.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Combined Effects of Sensorimotor Integration and Post-facilitation Stretch on Toe Walking and Foot Posture in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
To determine the effects of sensory motor integration and post facilitation stretch on toe walking and sensory processing behaviors using Foot Posture Index and Sensory Profile respectively.
Read the detailed description
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disease that involves communication, social interaction and language in different ways. The autism toe walker is affected by outside world contact refusal: touching the ground as little as possible, trying to avoid any contact. The pathological walking caused by myotendinous retraction of the sural muscles bilaterally, succeeding in transforming an equine "attitude" into structured clubfoot walking. Many therapy options have been described: no treatment, physical therapy or casting to stretch the gastrocnemius, soleus, and Achilles' tendon, surgical lengthening of the gastrocnemius, soleus and Achilles tendon, blocking plantar flexion.
Sensorimotor integration is the process by which motor behaviors and sensory system processing take place together, with motor actions being continuously guided by sensory information.
- Conditions
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Being tested
- Sensorimotor Integration and Post-Facilitation Stretch, Post-Facilitation Stretch
- Keywords
- Autism, sensory motor integration, Post facilitation stretch
- Medical subject headings
- Autism Spectrum Disorder, Autistic Disorder
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Sensorimotor Integration and Post-Facilitation StretchOther
Sensorimotor integration is facilitated by positioning the child in a seated posture and instructing them to use both feet to retrieve toys from a water-filled bucket and transfer them to another container. Other sensory motor integration activities involve play dough, hand imprinting etc.
Post-Facilitation StretchOther
Gastrocnemius and soleus stretch (standing and supine) Ankle dorsiflexion with resistance (manual or band-assisted)
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Sensorimotor integration and Post facilitation stretch | Experimental | Sensorimotor integration is facilitated by positioning the child in a seated posture and instructing them to use both feet to retrieve toys from a water-filled bucket and transfer them to another container. Other sensory motor integration activities involve play dough, hand imprinting etc. Receives: Other: Sensorimotor Integration and Post-Facilitation Stretch |
| Post-Facilitation Stretch | Other | Gastrocnemius and soleus stretch (standing and supine)
• Ankle dorsiflexion with resistance (manual or band-assisted) Receives: Other: Post-Facilitation Stretch |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Foot Posture Index (FPI-6)
The Foot Posture Index (FPI) is a clinical tool used to assess and quantify the posture of the foot.
Each of the six criteria is scored on a scale, typically from -2 to +2, with negative scores indicating supination, positive scores indicating pronation, and zero representing a neutral position. The individual scores are then summed to provide a total FPI score, which can range from -12 (highly supinated) to +12 (highly pronated).
Measured: 4 weeks
Universal Half Goniometer
Goniometers are a type of instrument used for precisely measuring angles. Goniometers consist of a graduated semicircle or full-circle where the measurements of angles are read, and two arms that meet at the vertex at the center of the semicircle or circle.
Measured: 4 weeks
Sensory Profile (Short Form)
The Short Sensory Profile (SSP) is a caregiver questionnaire used to assess sensory processing patterns in children, particularly those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It helps identify how children respond to various sensory stimuli and how these responses might impact their daily lives. The SSP is a shortened version of the Sensory Profile, designed for children aged 3 to 10 years.
Measured: 4 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted20 Mar 2026
- Study start20 Feb 2026
- Primary completion2 May 2026
- Study completion10 Jun 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.
- More trials run by Riphah International UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- 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
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 36 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Maria khalid, MSOMPT, Principal investigator, Riphah International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07484347
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- REC/Momina Tahir/02288
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 16 Mar 2026
- Last updated
- 6 Aug 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 6 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Combined Effects of Sensorimotor Integration and Post-facilitation Stretch on Toe Walking and Foot Posture in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07484347
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- REC/Momina Tahir/02288
- Conditions
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Keywords
- Autism, sensory motor integration, Post facilitation stretch
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 36 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 20 Feb 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 2 May 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 10 Jun 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 20 Mar 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.
To determine the effects of sensory motor integration and post facilitation stretch on toe walking and sensory processing behaviors using Foot Posture Index and Sensory Profile respectively.
Detailed description
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disease that involves communication, social interaction and language in different ways. The autism toe walker is affected by outside world contact refusal: touching the ground as little as possible, trying to avoid any contact. The pathological walking caused by myotendinous retraction of the sural muscles bilaterally, succeeding in transforming an equine "attitude" into structured clubfoot walking. Many therapy options have been described: no treatment, physical therapy or casting to stretch the gastrocnemius, soleus, and Achilles' tendon, surgical lengthening of the gastrocnemius, soleus and Achilles tendon, blocking plantar flexion.
Sensorimotor integration is the process by which motor behaviors and sensory system processing take place together, with motor actions being continuously guided by sensory information.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Sensorimotor integration and Post facilitation stretch | Experimental | Other: Sensorimotor Integration and Post-Facilitation StretchSensorimotor integration is facilitated by positioning the child in a seated posture and instructing them to use both feet to retrieve toys from a water-filled bucket and transfer them to another container. Other sensory motor integration activities involve play dough, hand imprinting etc. |
| Post-Facilitation Stretch | Other | Other: Post-Facilitation StretchGastrocnemius and soleus stretch (standing and supine) • Ankle dorsiflexion with resistance (manual or band-assisted) |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 4 to 10 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Child
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Children with diagnosed Mild Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Presenting with toe walk as a prominent feature of Autism Spectrum Disorder (e.g., more than 50% of steps observed during a gait assessment). Toe walking should be entirely because of Achilles tightness.
- Able to follow simple verbal commands.
- Sufficient gross motor skills present.
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Toe walking due to neurological (e.g., cerebral palsy, spina bifida, peripheral neuropathy) or orthopedic disorders (e.g., clubfoot, leg length discrepancy > 1 cm, hip dysplasia, contractures not related to idiopathic toe walking) and other behavioral factors that could be the primary cause of toe walking will be excluded.
- History of Achilles tendon surgery or lower limb surgery.
- Current participation in another physical therapy intervention targeting gait or posture
- Severe behavioral/sensory issues that would interfere with treatment sessions i.e. severe Autism Spectrum Disorder with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder as well as mental retardation.
- Non-ambulatory children.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensorimotor Integration and Post-Facilitation StretchSensorimotor integration is facilitated by positioning the child in a seated posture and instructing them to use both feet to retrieve toys from a water-filled bucket and transfer them to another container. Other sensory motor integration activities involve play dough, hand imprinting etc. | Other | Sensorimotor integration and Post facilitation stretch |
| Post-Facilitation StretchGastrocnemius and soleus stretch (standing and supine) Ankle dorsiflexion with resistance (manual or band-assisted) | Other | Post-Facilitation Stretch |
Primary outcome
Foot Posture Index (FPI-6)
Time frame: 4 weeks
The Foot Posture Index (FPI) is a clinical tool used to assess and quantify the posture of the foot. Each of the six criteria is scored on a scale, typically from -2 to +2, with negative scores indicating supination, positive scores indicating pronation, and zero representing a neutral position. The individual scores are then summed to provide a total FPI score, which can range from -12 (highly supinated) to +12 (highly pronated).
Universal Half Goniometer
Time frame: 4 weeks
Goniometers are a type of instrument used for precisely measuring angles. Goniometers consist of a graduated semicircle or full-circle where the measurements of angles are read, and two arms that meet at the vertex at the center of the semicircle or circle.
Sensory Profile (Short Form)
Time frame: 4 weeks
The Short Sensory Profile (SSP) is a caregiver questionnaire used to assess sensory processing patterns in children, particularly those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It helps identify how children respond to various sensory stimuli and how these responses might impact their daily lives. The SSP is a shortened version of the Sensory Profile, designed for children aged 3 to 10 years.
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 6 Aug 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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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.
Maria khalid, MSOMPT principal investigator
Riphah International University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Sensorimotor Integration and Post-Facilitation Stretch and Post-Facilitation Stretch in people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
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 4 inclusion and 5 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 6 Aug 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 Pakistan. 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?
Foot Posture Index (FPI-6) (time frame: 4 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 6 Aug 2026.