DPPT (Wilbarger brushing and joint compressions) to improve motor skills and sleep in children with autism
Effects of Wilbarger Deep Pressure and Proprioceptive Technique (DPPT) on Motor Skills and Sleep Pattern in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder.
We will try Wilbarger DPPT (brushing and joint compressions) three times a week for six weeks to see if it helps motor skills and sleep in children aged 6-11 with autism who have sensory processing difficulties.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 6 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province) |
| Trial ID | NCT07248254 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This quasi-experimental program will enroll children with autism aged 6-11 from pediatric therapy centers, specialized autism clinics, and special schools using convenience sampling. Participants will receive Wilbarger Deep Pressure and Proprioceptive Technique (DPPT) alongside their usual therapies three times per week for six weeks, with sessions of about 30-45 minutes that include brushing, joint compressions, and calming activities. Motor skills will be measured using the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2) and sleep quality with the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) before and after the intervention. Children with other neurological or developmental disorders or major physical impairments will be excluded.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 6-11 with an autism diagnosis who have sensory processing difficulties (Definite Difference on the Sensory Profile 2), reported motor delays and sleep disturbances, and no major neurological or physical comorbidities.
Not a fit: Children with other neurological or developmental disorders, major physical impairments, multiple diagnoses, or without sensory processing issues are unlikely to receive benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, DPPT could improve motor function and sleep quality, supporting better daily functioning and participation.
How similar studies have performed: Existing evidence for Wilbarger DPPT is limited and mixed, consisting mainly of small uncontrolled studies and case reports that suggest possible sensory benefits but lack robust randomized trials showing consistent improvements in motor skills or sleep.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Children diagnosed with Autism * Both Genders Males and Females * Age 6-11 * Autistic children diagnosed with sensory processing disorder and reported with motor skill delays and sleep disturbances. * Children scoring within the "Definite Difference" range in sensory processing areas on the Sensory Profile 2. Exclusion Criteria: * Children with other neurological or Developmental disorders * No serious physical or behavioral impairments (blindness and deafness) * Children with multiple diagnosis along with ASD.
Where this trial is running
Lahore, Punjab Province
- Mind Care Therapy Centre — Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Aiza Zamir, Ms-Pt — Riphah International University
- Study coordinator: IMRAN AMJAD, PhD
- Email: imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk
- Phone: 9233224390125
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.