SPARK exercise versus game-based circuit training for children with autism
Comparative Effects of Structured Sport, Play and Active Recreation for Kid Exercise Program and Game-based Training on Motor Proficiency and Social Interaction in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
This project will test whether the SPARK exercise program or a game-based circuit training better improves motor skills and social interaction in children with autism aged 5–12.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 22 (estimated) |
| Ages | 5 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province) |
| Trial ID | NCT07579000 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial will enroll 22 children with autism spectrum disorder aged 5–12 at a child rehabilitation center in Lahore and randomly assign 11 to the SPARK program and 11 to game-based circuit training. Each intervention is delivered for 12 weeks, three times per week for 30 minutes per session, and outcomes are measured before and after the program. Motor proficiency will be measured with the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2) and social interaction with the Autism Social Skills Profile (ASSP). Data will be analyzed using SPSS v23 after ethical approval from Riphah International University.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Children aged 5–12 with a psychologist-diagnosed autism spectrum disorder, IQ greater than 70 on WISC-IV, and no sensory or orthopedic impairments or recent surgery/injury are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Children with IQ ≤70, significant visual/auditory or orthopedic impairments, recent surgery/injury (≤6 months), current enrollment in intensive physiotherapy, prior involvement with SPARK, or outside the 5–12 age range may not receive benefit from this comparison.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the better-performing program could improve motor coordination and social engagement, helping children participate more easily in daily activities and play.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research indicates structured physical-activity programs, including SPARK, can improve motor skills and social engagement in children with ASD, but direct randomized comparisons with game-based circuit training are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * ASD is diagnosed by Psychologist. * Age 5-12 years with ASD . * Participants having IQ greater than 70 by using Wechsler intelligence scale for children (WISC-4) Exclusion Criteria: * Visual or auditory impairment or any orthopedic condition. * Participants currently enrolled in intensive Physiotherapy (to avoid confounding effects). * Recent traumatic injury and surgery (≤6 months). * There was previous involvement with the SPARK program among the participants.
Where this trial is running
Lahore, Punjab Province
- IHC Hospital — Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Maham Bashir, 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.