Electromagnetic therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder
Electromagnetic Therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
This study is testing whether electromagnetic therapy can help improve symptoms of autism in children aged 3 to 12 years.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 3 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT06085287 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot randomized waitlist-controlled trial aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of electromagnetic therapy (EMT) in improving symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children aged 3-12 years. A total of 30 participants will be randomly assigned to either a Care-As Usual (CAU) group or a CAU plus EMT group, with the primary outcome measured using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) over a 12-week period. The study will also monitor adverse events and reasons for withdrawal to assess the safety of the intervention.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 3-12 years with a principal diagnosis of mild to moderate autism spectrum disorder.
Not a fit: Patients with significant comorbid conditions, uncontrolled epilepsy, or severe skin lesions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could provide a novel treatment option for children with autism spectrum disorder, potentially improving their symptoms and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While electromagnetic therapy is a relatively novel approach for treating ASD, similar studies have shown promise in alternative therapies, but this specific application remains largely untested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. aged 3-12 years; 2. have had a principal diagnosis of ASD according to the diagnostic criteria for ASD in the DSM-5; 3. The score of CARS is 30-37 (mild to moderate ASD) at entry; and 4. his/her parents or legal guardian give a written informed consent that indicates the permission to participate in the study. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Children suffer a significant comorbid congenital disease or brain injury, such as Down syndrome, mental retardation, and cerebral palsy; 2. Children have been suffering uncontrolled epilepsy or seizure; 3. Children have heart diseases; 4. Children have participated in other investigational studies in previous 3 months; 5. Children have pediatric massage or acupuncture in previous 2 months; or 6. they have severe skin lesions or scar on the areas the treatment will be performed.
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong
- Clinical Services Centres, The School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kwai Ching Lo, PHD — The University of Hong Kong
- Study coordinator: Kwai Ching Lo, PHD
- Email: angelos@hku.hk
- Phone: (852) 3917 6462
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.