Cawthorne-Cooksey balance exercises for autistic children with vestibular weakness

Effect of Cawthorne Cooksey Exercises on Balance in Autistic Children With Vestibular Hypofunction.

NA · Riphah International University · NCT07061119

This project will try Cawthorne-Cooksey balance exercises to see if they improve balance in children aged 7–15 with autism and peripheral vestibular hypofunction.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment44 (estimated)
Ages7 Years to 15 Years
SexAll
SponsorRiphah International University (other)
Locations1 site (Islamabad, Fedral)
Trial IDNCT07061119 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled trial plans to enroll about 44 children with mild to moderate autism and diagnosed peripheral vestibular hypofunction, randomized into two groups of roughly 22 each. One group will receive conventional vestibular treatment and the other will receive Cawthorne-Cooksey exercise-based therapy, with outcomes compared before and after the intervention. Standardized balance and postural control measures will be collected to quantify changes between groups. The study is conducted at Riphah International University in Islamabad and excludes participants with central vestibular disorders, acute inner ear infection, significant auditory problems, or inability to follow the exercise program.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Children aged 7–15 with mild to moderate autism, diagnosed peripheral vestibular hypofunction, and the ability to understand and follow exercise instructions are the intended participants.

Not a fit: Children with central vestibular disorders, acute inner ear infection, significant auditory problems, or those unable to follow the exercise plan are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, children could have improved balance and postural control, which may reduce falls and movement-related difficulties.

How similar studies have performed: Vestibular rehabilitation including Cawthorne-Cooksey exercises has shown benefit in adults with peripheral vestibular loss, but evidence in autistic children is limited and relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Both genders
* Peripheral Vestibular hypofunction.
* Age:7-15years
* Children with mild to moderate autism.
* Children who understand and communicate

Exclusion Criteria:

* Central Vestibular.
* Acute Infection of inner ear
* Auditory issues.
* Patients unable to follow exercise plan

Where this trial is running

Islamabad, Fedral

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Vestibular Hypofunction, Autism, vestibular rehab in children, Autism and balance

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.