Effects of Adapted Aquatic Exercise on Behavioral Outcomes, Flexibility, and Handgrip Strength in Male Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial
试验速览
- 阶段
- 不适用
- 状态
- 已完成
- 入组人数
- 35
- 试验地点
- 1
- 主要终点
- Handgrip Strength
研究概览
简要总结
This randomized clinical trial studied whether an adapted aquatic exercise program could improve behavior and physical abilities in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Thirty-five boys aged 6 to 12 years with mild ASD participated in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to either an aquatic exercise group or a control group.
The aquatic exercise group took part in a structured, individualized swimming and water-based exercise program twice per week for 16 weeks, while the control group continued their regular academic education without additional exercise. The program focused on water safety, breathing control, and basic swimming movements.
Outcomes were measured before and after the 16-week period. Autism-related behaviors were evaluated using the Autism Behavior Checklist. Physical abilities were assessed using flexibility (sit-and-reach test) and handgrip strength measurements.
The study aimed to determine whether regular participation in adapted aquatic exercise could reduce autism-related behaviors and improve motor skills that are important for daily life activities in children with ASD.
研究设计
- 研究类型
- Interventional
- 分配方式
- Randomized
- 干预模型
- Parallel
- 主要目的
- Treatment
- 盲法
- Single (Outcomes Assessor)
盲法说明
Due to the nature of the exercise intervention, participants and instructors could not be blinded. However, outcome assessment and data analysis were conducted by researchers who were blinded to group allocation.
入排标准
- 年龄范围
- 6 Years 至 12 Years（Child）
- 性别
- Male
- 接受健康志愿者
- 否
入选标准
- •Male children aged 6 to 12 years
- •Clinical diagnosis of mild autism spectrum disorder confirmed by a licensed -child psychiatrist according to DSM-5 criteria
- •Medical clearance for participation in aquatic exercise
- •Ability to follow verbal and visual instructions
- •Ability to imitate fine and gross motor movements
- •Independent in toileting
- •Not participating in structured sports or exercise programs other than standard academic instruction
- •Written informed consent provided by a parent or legal guardian
排除标准
- •Severe autism spectrum disorder
- •Orthopedic, neurological, or medical conditions that contraindicate participation in aquatic exercise
- •Current participation in structured physical training or sports programs outside of school
- •Inability to safely participate in water-based activities
研究组 & 干预措施
Adapted Aquatic Exercise Group
Participants in this group participated in a 16-week adapted aquatic exercise program in addition to their regular academic instruction. The program was delivered twice per week for 50 minutes per session and focused on water safety, breathing control, limb propulsion, and progressive freestyle swimming skills using individualized, one-to-one instruction.
干预措施: Adapted Aquatic Exercise Program (Behavioral)
Control Group (Academic Instruction Only)
Participants in this group continued to receive their regular academic instruction only and did not participate in any structured physical or aquatic exercise programs during the study period.
干预措施: Academic Instruction (Other)
结局指标
主要结局
Handgrip Strength
时间窗: Baseline and 16 weeks
Handgrip strength was measured using a calibrated handgrip dynamometer. Participants performed maximal voluntary contractions, and the highest valid value (kilograms) was recorded.
Autism-Related Behaviors
时间窗: Baseline and 16 weeks
Autism-related behaviors were assessed using the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC), a 57-item questionnaire completed by classroom teachers familiar with the participants' daily behavior patterns. Higher total scores indicate greater severity of autism-related behaviors.
Flexibility
时间窗: Baseline and 16 weeks
Flexibility was assessed using the sit-and-reach test performed with a standardized sit-and-reach box. The best score (centimeters) from three trials was recorded for analysis.
次要结局
未报告次要终点
研究者
Monira Aldhahi
Associate Prof
Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University