AutismNCT07799051
Examining the Effects of Group Versus Individual Based Exercise Program on Balance and Coordination in Children With Autism
A study testing Individual based and Group Based Exercise in people with Autism, run by Ibadat International University, Islamabad at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
This study compared the effects of group-based versus individual-based exercise programs on balance and coordination in children aged 3-12 years who were diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Level 1. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 3 to 12 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Autism
- What is being tested?
- Individual based and Group Based Exercise
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 16 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 6 Jan 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 3 to 12 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Child
Who may be able to join
- Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (level one severity).
- Age 3-12 years.
- Ability to understand simple instructions.
- No participation in previous physiotherapy balance programs.
Who cannot join
- Co-existing intellectual disability or ADHD.
- Visual impairments.
- Chronic medical disorders affecting mobility or postural control.
- Inability to participate consistently in sessions.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Pakistan1 site
Primal Support Rehabilitation Centers and Special Education Institutions
Abbottābād, KPK
About this study
Official title: Examining the Effects of Group Versus Individual-Based Exercise Programs on Balance and Coordination in Children With Autism: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This study compared the effects of group-based versus individual-based exercise programs on balance and coordination in children aged 3-12 years who were diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Level 1. A total of 16 children were recruited and randomly allocated into two groups (n=8 each): Group A (individual-based) and Group B (group-based). Both groups received 40-minute exercise sessions, 3 days per week, for 6 weeks. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after 6 weeks using the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) and neurological coordination tests (Finger-to-Nose, Heel-to-Shin, Past-Pointing).
Read the detailed description
Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition affecting motor function, including balance and coordination. Physical activity interventions showed promise in improving motor outcomes, but comparative evidence between group-based and individual-based formats was limited.
Study Design: Randomized Controlled Trial with parallel assignment. Participants: 16 children (aged 3-12 years) with ASD Level 1 severity were recruited from rehabilitation centers and special education institutions in Islamabad, Pakistan, using purposive sampling and random allocation via lottery method.
Interventions: Group A (Individual-Based): Each child received a personalized 40-minute physiotherapy exercise session including warm-up (movement to music, trampoline jumping, stair climbing), balance and coordination exercises (single-leg stance, animal walks, wobble board, ball games, tug of war, obstacle course), and cool-down (bubble blowing, block building). Sessions were delivered 3 times per week for 6 weeks. Group B (Group-Based): The same exercise protocol was delivered in group, incorporating peer interaction, social modeling, and group dynamics.
Outcome Measures: Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS; score 0-56) and neurological coordination tests (Finger-to-Nose, Heel-to-Shin, Past-Pointing) were administered pre- and post-intervention.
Data Analysis: Data were analyzed using SPSS v21. Normality was assessed and tests were applied accordingly.
- Conditions
- Autism
- Being tested
- Individual based, Group Based Exercise
- Medical subject headings
- Autistic Disorder
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Individual basedOther
Individual-Based Physiotherapy Exercise Program (40 min/session, 3×/week, 6 weeks): Warm-up, balance and coordination exercises (single-leg stance, animal walks, wobble board, ball games, obstacle course), cool-down activities.
Group Based ExerciseOther
Group-Based Physiotherapy Exercise Program (40 min/session, 3×/week, 6 weeks): Same protocol as Group A but delivered in group, incorporating peer interaction and social modeling.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Group A - Individual-Based Exercise Program | Experimental | Individual-Based Physiotherapy Exercise Program (40 min/session, 3×/week, 6 weeks): Warm-up, balance and coordination exercises (single-leg stance, animal walks, wobble board, ball games, obstacle course), cool-down activities. Receives: Other: Individual based |
| Group B - Group-Based Exercise Program | Active comparator | Group-Based Physiotherapy Exercise Program (40 min/session, 3×/week, 6 weeks): Same protocol as Group A but delivered in group, incorporating peer interaction and social modeling. Receives: Other: Group Based Exercise |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS)
It is a comprehensive and effective scale evaluating the balance in the following three dimensions: static balance, anticipatory balance, and functional movement transitions. The scale comprises 14 items including sitting balance, standing balance, sitting to standing/standing to sitting, transfers, stepping, reaching forward with outstretched arm, reaching the floor, turning, and placing foot on stool items. Each item ranked from 0 to 4. 0 shows inability to perform the instruction, while 4 shows the ability to perform without any difficulty. Maximum total score is 56. The intraobserver agreement of the PBS total score was high, perfectly (ICC=0.927).(15, 16) PBS can be considered a simple, valid scale for examining functional balance capacity in children with neurological disorders.
Measured: Assessed at Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 6).
Finger-to-Nose Test
A widely used neurological test for evaluating cerebellar function and upper limb coordination, the finger-to-nose test involves the patient alternately touching the examiner's finger and their nose in a smooth, controlled manner. Its reliability is generally moderate to good. Its validity is thought to be good for detecting gross cerebellar dysfunction, coordination, intention tremor, and dysmetria. Sensitivity roughly 60-85% and specificity around 70-90, while its reliability is usually moderate to good, with inter-rater reliability coefficients (ICC or kappa) commonly reported in the range of 0.60-0.85.
Measured: Assessed at Baseline and Week 6
Heel-to-Shin Test
The heel-to-shin test is a neurological examination used to evaluate lower-limb coordination and cerebellar function. The patient is asked to place the heel of one foot on the opposite knee and smoothly slide it down the shin to the ankle. Normal performance is smooth and accurate; abnormal findings, such as irregular movement, side-to-side wavering, inability to maintain contact, or intention tremor, suggest cerebellar dysfunction, sensory ataxia. Studies report sensitivity ranging approximately from 65-90% and specificity around 70-95% for detecting significant cerebellar dysfunction, depending on standardization and patient population, while its reliability is generally moderate to good, with reported inter-rater and intra-rater reliability coefficients (ICC or kappa) typically between 0.60 and 0.85.
Measured: Assessed at Baseline and Week 6
Past-Pointing Test
When a person consistently overshoots or undershoots a target during voluntary, goal-directed movements, it is a sign of impaired cerebellar coordination. It reflects defective error correction and timing of agonist-antagonist muscle activity normally regulated by the cerebellum, leading to dysmetria. It becomes more pronounced when visual guidance is removed, which worsens primarily with eyes closed, multiple sclerosis, and autism. Sensitivity (~60-80%) and good specificity (~70-90%).
Measured: Assessed at Baseline and Week 6
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted2 Sep 2026
- Study start6 Jan 2026
- Primary completion6 Mar 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 AutismStudies 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
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 16 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Ibadat International University, Islamabad
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07799051
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- IIUI/RERC/ADT/2026/01/213
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 28 Aug 2026
- Last updated
- 24 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- 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 24 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Examining the Effects of Group Versus Individual-Based Exercise Programs on Balance and Coordination in Children With Autism: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07799051
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- IIUI/RERC/ADT/2026/01/213
- Conditions
- Autism
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 16 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Ibadat International University, IslamabadUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 6 Jan 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 6 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 10 Jun 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 2 Sep 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 study compared the effects of group-based versus individual-based exercise programs on balance and coordination in children aged 3-12 years who were diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Level 1. A total of 16 children were recruited and randomly allocated into two groups (n=8 each): Group A (individual-based) and Group B (group-based). Both groups received 40-minute exercise sessions, 3 days per week, for 6 weeks. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after 6 weeks using the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) and neurological coordination tests (Finger-to-Nose, Heel-to-Shin, Past-Pointing).
Detailed description
Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition affecting motor function, including balance and coordination. Physical activity interventions showed promise in improving motor outcomes, but comparative evidence between group-based and individual-based formats was limited.
Study Design: Randomized Controlled Trial with parallel assignment. Participants: 16 children (aged 3-12 years) with ASD Level 1 severity were recruited from rehabilitation centers and special education institutions in Islamabad, Pakistan, using purposive sampling and random allocation via lottery method.
Interventions: Group A (Individual-Based): Each child received a personalized 40-minute physiotherapy exercise session including warm-up (movement to music, trampoline jumping, stair climbing), balance and coordination exercises (single-leg stance, animal walks, wobble board, ball games, tug of war, obstacle course), and cool-down (bubble blowing, block building). Sessions were delivered 3 times per week for 6 weeks. Group B (Group-Based): The same exercise protocol was delivered in group, incorporating peer interaction, social modeling, and group dynamics.
Outcome Measures: Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS; score 0-56) and neurological coordination tests (Finger-to-Nose, Heel-to-Shin, Past-Pointing) were administered pre- and post-intervention.
Data Analysis: Data were analyzed using SPSS v21. Normality was assessed and tests were applied accordingly.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Group A - Individual-Based Exercise Program | Experimental | Other: Individual basedIndividual-Based Physiotherapy Exercise Program (40 min/session, 3×/week, 6 weeks): Warm-up, balance and coordination exercises (single-leg stance, animal walks, wobble board, ball games, obstacle course), cool-down activities. |
| Group B - Group-Based Exercise Program | Active comparator | Other: Group Based ExerciseGroup-Based Physiotherapy Exercise Program (40 min/session, 3×/week, 6 weeks): Same protocol as Group A but delivered in group, incorporating peer interaction and social modeling. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 3 to 12 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Child
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (level one severity).
- Age 3-12 years.
- Ability to understand simple instructions.
- No participation in previous physiotherapy balance programs.
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Co-existing intellectual disability or ADHD.
- Visual impairments.
- Chronic medical disorders affecting mobility or postural control.
- Inability to participate consistently in sessions.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Individual basedIndividual-Based Physiotherapy Exercise Program (40 min/session, 3×/week, 6 weeks): Warm-up, balance and coordination exercises (single-leg stance, animal walks, wobble board, ball games, obstacle course), cool-down activities. | Other | Group A - Individual-Based Exercise Program |
| Group Based ExerciseGroup-Based Physiotherapy Exercise Program (40 min/session, 3×/week, 6 weeks): Same protocol as Group A but delivered in group, incorporating peer interaction and social modeling. | Other | Group B - Group-Based Exercise Program |
Primary outcome
Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS)
Time frame: Assessed at Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 6).
It is a comprehensive and effective scale evaluating the balance in the following three dimensions: static balance, anticipatory balance, and functional movement transitions. The scale comprises 14 items including sitting balance, standing balance, sitting to standing/standing to sitting, transfers, stepping, reaching forward with outstretched arm, reaching the floor, turning, and placing foot on stool items. Each item ranked from 0 to 4. 0 shows inability to perform the instruction, while 4 shows the ability to perform without any difficulty. Maximum total score is 56. The intraobserver agreement of the PBS total score was high, perfectly (ICC=0.927).(15, 16) PBS can be considered a simple, valid scale for examining functional balance capacity in children with neurological disorders.
Finger-to-Nose Test
Time frame: Assessed at Baseline and Week 6
A widely used neurological test for evaluating cerebellar function and upper limb coordination, the finger-to-nose test involves the patient alternately touching the examiner's finger and their nose in a smooth, controlled manner. Its reliability is generally moderate to good. Its validity is thought to be good for detecting gross cerebellar dysfunction, coordination, intention tremor, and dysmetria. Sensitivity roughly 60-85% and specificity around 70-90, while its reliability is usually moderate to good, with inter-rater reliability coefficients (ICC or kappa) commonly reported in the range of 0.60-0.85.
Heel-to-Shin Test
Time frame: Assessed at Baseline and Week 6
The heel-to-shin test is a neurological examination used to evaluate lower-limb coordination and cerebellar function. The patient is asked to place the heel of one foot on the opposite knee and smoothly slide it down the shin to the ankle. Normal performance is smooth and accurate; abnormal findings, such as irregular movement, side-to-side wavering, inability to maintain contact, or intention tremor, suggest cerebellar dysfunction, sensory ataxia. Studies report sensitivity ranging approximately from 65-90% and specificity around 70-95% for detecting significant cerebellar dysfunction, depending on standardization and patient population, while its reliability is generally moderate to good, with reported inter-rater and intra-rater reliability coefficients (ICC or kappa) typically between 0.60 and 0.85.
Past-Pointing Test
Time frame: Assessed at Baseline and Week 6
When a person consistently overshoots or undershoots a target during voluntary, goal-directed movements, it is a sign of impaired cerebellar coordination. It reflects defective error correction and timing of agonist-antagonist muscle activity normally regulated by the cerebellum, leading to dysmetria. It becomes more pronounced when visual guidance is removed, which worsens primarily with eyes closed, multiple sclerosis, and autism. Sensitivity (~60-80%) and good specificity (~70-90%).
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 24 Sep 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.
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 Individual based and Group Based Exercise in people with Autism, run by Ibadat International University, Islamabad 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 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 24 Sep 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?
Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) (time frame: Assessed at Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 6).). The study lists 4 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 24 Sep 2026.