Playful physiotherapy to support children with ADHD or autism
Official title: 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.
Run by University of Tartu · NCT07466147 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 7 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 25 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Tartu Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Tartu) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 2026 |
| Main results expected | February 2027 |
| Study ends | February 2027 |
| Registry record updated | May 5, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07466147 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
ProVida
Tartu, Estonia Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Hanna Kalajas-Tilga, PhD
- Email: h9kala@gmail.com
- Phone: +37258361041
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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.