Influence of Rhythm and Interpersonal Relationship on Gait Parameters in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

NCT06659328 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: ASD intervention
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 30
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects social communication and motor coordination, with less synchrony with others and atypical gait patterns. Relationship with the adult or speed modify gait parameters in children diagnosed with ASD between 4 and 6 years old. Methodology: a cross-sectional observational design was carried out. The aim of this study was to analyze gait pattern variations in children with ASD in different speed conditions and modifying the social environment.

Conditions

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Keywords

autism; stability; interpersonal relationship; gait patterns; proprioception

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Cadence

  The number of steps taken per minute.

  Immediately before the intervention and immediately after the intervention on the same day

Secondary Outcomes (4)

• Stride Length

  Immediately before the intervention and immediately after the intervention on the same day

• Step Time: The duration of each step, measured in seconds

  Immediately before the intervention and immediately after the intervention on the same day

• Velocity:

  Immediately before the intervention and immediately after the intervention on the same day

• Joint Amplitudes

  Immediately before the intervention and immediately after the intervention on the same day

Study Arms (1)

Walking Intervention with Varying Speeds and Social Interaction in Children with Autism Spectrum Dis

EXPERIMENTAL

This arm of the study focuses on a single group of participants consisting of 30 children aged 4 to 6 years diagnosed with ASD. The objective is to evaluate how varying walking speeds and social interactions influence gait parameters. Participants will engage in a structured walking intervention under three conditions: normal speed (120 bpm), slow speed (100 bpm), and fast speed (140 bpm). Each child will walk with two different types of adult companions: a familiar adult (e.g., caregiver) and an unfamiliar adult. This design allows for a comprehensive assessment of gait characteristics in response to different social contexts and pacing. Each child will complete a 10-meter walking task, with gait parameters such as stride length, step time, cadence, velocity, and joint amplitudes being recorded using video analysis software (Kinovea©).The results will contribute to understanding how children with ASD adapt their locomotion to social cues and varying speeds

Procedure: Structured Walking Intervention for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Interventions

Structured Walking Intervention for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder PROCEDURE

Participants: Thirty children with ASD will participate in the walking sessions. Conditions: Each child will walk under three different speed conditions: Normal Speed: 120 beats per minute (bpm) Slow Speed: 100 bpm Fast Speed: 140 bpm Social Interaction: Each child will walk with two different types of adult companions: Familiar Adult: A caregiver or individual known to the child. Unfamiliar Adult: An adult not known to the child. Procedure: The walking distance will be 10 meters. The adult will wear a metronome in an earbud to ensure that they maintain the prescribed walking speed, which the child will be instructed to follow. Each child will experience all combinations of walking speeds and social interactions, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of how these factors influence gait parameters. Gait Parameters: The following parameters will be recorded during each walking session using video analysis software (Kinovea©): Stride length Step time Cadence Velocity Joint amplitudes

Walking Intervention with Varying Speeds and Social Interaction in Children with Autism Spectrum Dis

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 4 Years - 6 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Child (0-17)

You may qualify if:

• Children aged 4 to 6 years.
• Clinical diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (Level I or II).
• Ability to walk independently without the use of assistive devices.
• Parents or legal guardians provide informed consent for participation.

You may not qualify if:

• Presence of other syndromes or developmental disorders.
• History of recent surgical interventions or procedures involving the lower limbs.
• Significant neurological or orthopedic conditions that may affect gait.
• Any contraindications for participation in physical activities as determined by the child's healthcare provider.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Universidad Europea de Madrid: lead

Study Sites (1)

Universidad Europea de Madrid

Madrid, Madrid, 28670, Spain

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Autism Spectrum Disorder; Autistic Disorder

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Child Development Disorders, Pervasive; Neurodevelopmental Disorders; Mental Disorders

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: NA
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: SINGLE GROUP
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Principal investigator

Model Details: This study employs a single-group, quasi-experimental design, where 30 children aged 4 to 6 years with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) participate in a structured walking intervention. The intervention consists of observing the children's gait parameters under varying conditions: walking at normal (120 bpm), slow (100 bpm), and fast (140 bpm) rhythms, while accompanied by either a familiar adult or an unfamiliar adult. Each child will walk a distance of 10 meters, with their gait parameters-such as stride length, step time, cadence, velocity, and joint amplitudes-measured using video analysis software (Kinovea©). This sequential approach enables the assessment of the impact of both speed and social interaction on gait dynamics in a controlled environment. The study aims to elucidate how these factors influence locomotion in children with ASD, providing insights for future therapeutic interventions and rehabilitation strategies.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: October 4, 2024
• First Posted: October 26, 2024
• Study Start: May 1, 2024
• Primary Completion: July 31, 2024
• Study Completion: August 31, 2024
• Last Updated: October 26, 2024

Record last verified: 2024-10

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

ES (1)