Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 6 to 13

Static balance testing in children with autism using a virtual reality system

Official title: Quantitative Assessment of Static Balance in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder Using VRRS

Run by Istituto per la Ricerca e l'Innovazione Biomedica · NCT07403396 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This project tests whether a virtual reality rehabilitation system can measure static balance differences in children with autism aged 6–10.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages6 Years to 13 Years
SexAll
Enrollment50 (estimated)
SponsorIstituto per la Ricerca e l'Innovazione Biomedica
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Messina)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJanuary 2, 2026
Main results expectedMarch 31, 2026
Study endsApril 30, 2026
Registry record updatedFebruary 11, 2026
Trial IDNCT07403396 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Children aged 6–10 with a diagnosis of autism and an IQ of 60 or higher, without other clinical motor deficits, were ideal candidates for this project.

Probably not a fit

Children with motor problems due to another clinical condition, those with IQ below 60, or those outside the 6–10 age range are unlikely to benefit from this specific measurement-focused project.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational project enrolled 50 children with autism (ages 6–10, ten per age year) and measured static postural control using a Virtual Reality Rehabilitation System (VRRS) together with a stabilometric balance platform. Thirteen quantitative balance parameters were recorded, including Mean Distance Center of Pressure (MD_COP), Root Mean Square of Distance (RMS), Total Excursion (ESC), Velocity (VEL), and Sway area (SWAY). Standardized IQ testing was performed to record cognitive functioning and explore correlations between balance metrics and cognitive scores. All data were stored in a dedicated database for later analysis of patterns and relationships.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could give clinicians precise, objective balance measurements to help identify deficits and personalize motor therapies for children with autism.

How similar studies have gone: Previous work has used VR and stabilometric systems to measure or train balance in neurodevelopmental conditions with promising but still limited and variable results.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of Autism;
* QI ≥ 60

Exclusion Criteria:

* Motor deficits due to another clinical condition

Where it's running

  • Italy Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB) - National Research Council (CNR)
    Messina, Italy
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Flavia Marino — Italy Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB) - National Research Council (CNR) Messina, Italy, 98164
  • Study coordinator: Chiara Failla
  • Email: chiara.failla@irib.cnr.it
  • Phone: +393921985644

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.