Playful physiotherapy to support children with ADHD or autism
The Effect of Playful Physiotherapy Intervention on Emotional Self-regulation in Children Aged 7-12 Years Old With Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Special Needs in a Rehabilitation Setting.
This program will try a play-based physiotherapy approach to see if it improves emotional, behavioral, and social functioning in Estonian-speaking children aged 5–12 with ADHD or autism.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 25 (estimated) |
| Ages | 7 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Tartu Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Tartu) |
| Trial ID | NCT07466147 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This quasi-experimental program delivers a group-based, play- and body-centered physiotherapy intervention at ProVida Clinic in Tartu. Parents complete the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and KIDSCREEN-27 before and after the program to measure changes in emotional, behavioral, and psychosocial functioning. Eligible participants are clinic patients aged 5–12 who can take part in movement- and play-based group activities and speak Estonian. Children with acute medical problems or severe cognitive or sensory impairments that prevent safe or comprehensible participation are excluded.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Estonian-speaking children aged 5–12 with a clinical diagnosis of ADHD or ASD (or related behavioral/social adaptation difficulties) who can safely participate in group movement and play activities at ProVida Clinic.
Not a fit: Children with acute medical conditions, severe cognitive or sensory impairments that prevent safe participation, those whose participation would disrupt group functioning, or those who have already taken part in a similar group are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could improve daily emotional, behavioral, and social functioning and overall quality of life for participating children.
How similar studies have performed: Similar play-based and movement interventions for children with ADHD or ASD have shown some promising but mixed results on social and behavioral outcomes, so existing evidence is suggestive but not definitive.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 5-12 years; * Clinical diagnosis: ADHD, ASD, behavioral regulation difficulties, and/or social adaptation difficulties in group settings; * Participation in physiotherapy at ProVida Clinic or assessment by the clinic's rehabilitation team regarding suitability for participation; * Ability to participate in movement- and play-based activities in a group format; * Proficiency in Estonian; * No prior participation in a similar group. Exclusion Criteria: * Acute or chronic medical condition that prevents active participation; * Severe cognitive or sensory impairment that prevents understanding of activities or safe participation; * Situations in which the child's participation may disrupt group functioning or compromise safety.
Where this trial is running
Tartu
- ProVida — Tartu, Estonia (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Hanna Kalajas-Tilga, PhD
- Email: h9kala@gmail.com
- Phone: +37258361041
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.