Cawthorne-Cooksey balance exercises for autistic children with vestibular weakness
Official title: Effect of Cawthorne Cooksey Exercises on Balance in Autistic Children With Vestibular Hypofunction.
Run by Riphah International University · NCT07061119 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 7 Years to 15 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 44 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Islamabad, Fedral) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 31, 2025 |
| Main results expected | July 31, 2025 |
| Study ends | July 31, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | July 11, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07061119 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
Islamabad, Pakistan
Islamabad, Fedral, Pakistan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Nadia Azhar, MS — Riphah International University
- Study coordinator: Nadia Azhar, MS-NMPT
- Email: Nadia.azhar@riphah.edu.pk
- Phone: 00923335281431
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.