Combined Effects of Sensorimotor Integration and Post-facilitation Stretch in Autism Spectrum Disorder

NCT07484347 | Recruiting DMC

• 1 other identifier: REC/Momina Tahir/02288
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 36
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

To determine the effects of sensory motor integration and post facilitation stretch on toe walking and sensory processing behaviors using Foot Posture Index and Sensory Profile respectively.

Conditions

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Keywords

Autism; sensory motor integration; Post facilitation stretch

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Foot Posture Index (FPI-6)

  The Foot Posture Index (FPI) is a clinical tool used to assess and quantify the posture of the foot. Each of the six criteria is scored on a scale, typically from -2 to +2, with negative scores indicating supination, positive scores indicating pronation, and zero representing a neutral position. The individual scores are then summed to provide a total FPI score, which can range from -12 (highly supinated) to +12 (highly pronated).

  4 weeks

• Universal Half Goniometer

  Goniometers are a type of instrument used for precisely measuring angles. Goniometers consist of a graduated semicircle or full-circle where the measurements of angles are read, and two arms that meet at the vertex at the center of the semicircle or circle.

  4 weeks

• Sensory Profile (Short Form)

  The Short Sensory Profile (SSP) is a caregiver questionnaire used to assess sensory processing patterns in children, particularly those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It helps identify how children respond to various sensory stimuli and how these responses might impact their daily lives. The SSP is a shortened version of the Sensory Profile, designed for children aged 3 to 10 years.

  4 weeks

Study Arms (2)

Sensorimotor integration and Post facilitation stretch

EXPERIMENTAL

Sensorimotor integration is facilitated by positioning the child in a seated posture and instructing them to use both feet to retrieve toys from a water-filled bucket and transfer them to another container. Other sensory motor integration activities involve play dough, hand imprinting etc.

Other: Sensorimotor Integration and Post-Facilitation Stretch

Post-Facilitation Stretch

OTHER

Gastrocnemius and soleus stretch (standing and supine) • Ankle dorsiflexion with resistance (manual or band-assisted)

Other: Post-Facilitation Stretch

Interventions

Sensorimotor Integration and Post-Facilitation Stretch OTHER

Sensorimotor integration is facilitated by positioning the child in a seated posture and instructing them to use both feet to retrieve toys from a water-filled bucket and transfer them to another container. Other sensory motor integration activities involve play dough, hand imprinting etc.

Sensorimotor integration and Post facilitation stretch

Post-Facilitation Stretch OTHER

Gastrocnemius and soleus stretch (standing and supine) Ankle dorsiflexion with resistance (manual or band-assisted)

Post-Facilitation Stretch

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 4 Years - 10 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Child (0-17)

You may qualify if:

• Children with diagnosed Mild Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Presenting with toe walk as a prominent feature of Autism Spectrum Disorder (e.g., more than 50% of steps observed during a gait assessment). Toe walking should be entirely because of Achilles tightness.
• Able to follow simple verbal commands.
• Sufficient gross motor skills present.

You may not qualify if:

• Toe walking due to neurological (e.g., cerebral palsy, spina bifida, peripheral neuropathy) or orthopedic disorders (e.g., clubfoot, leg length discrepancy \> 1 cm, hip dysplasia, contractures not related to idiopathic toe walking) and other behavioral factors that could be the primary cause of toe walking will be excluded.
• History of Achilles tendon surgery or lower limb surgery.
• Current participation in another physical therapy intervention targeting gait or posture
• Severe behavioral/sensory issues that would interfere with treatment sessions i.e. severe Autism Spectrum Disorder with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder as well as mental retardation.
• Non-ambulatory children.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Riphah International University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Fauji Foundation Hospital

Islamabad, Punjab Province, Pakistan

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Autism Spectrum Disorder; Autistic Disorder

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Child Development Disorders, Pervasive; Neurodevelopmental Disorders; Mental Disorders

Study Officials

• Maria khalid, MSOMPT

  Riphah International University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

maria Khalid, MSOMPT

CONTACT

03315369768; maria.khalid@riphah.edu.pk

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: March 16, 2026
• First Posted: March 20, 2026
• Study Start: February 20, 2026
• Primary Completion: May 1, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): June 1, 2026
• Last Updated: March 30, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-03

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

PA (1)