Aquatic Therapy Versus Sensory Room Intervention for Sensory-Motor Function in Children With Sensory Processing Disorder

NCT07646951 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: RE/2111/MTI.PT/2605121
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 60
• Locations: 0 countries
• Sites: N/A

Brief Summary

This randomized clinical trial compares the effects of aquatic therapy and conventional sensory room intervention on adaptive neural responses and sensory-motor praxis in children with Monochannel Sensory Processing Disorder. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two intervention groups. Outcomes related to sensory processing, sensory-motor praxis, and adaptive responses will be evaluated before and after treatment. The study aims to determine whether aquatic therapy provides additional benefits compared with conventional sensory room intervention in improving sensory integration and functional performance in affected children.

Conditions

Neuro Developmental Delay; Sensory Disorders

Keywords

Aquatic Therapy vs Sensory Room + SPD + Children; sensory disorder - aquatic therapy

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Change in Total Sensory Systems Score (SPM-2)

  Baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately after completion of the intervention period (post-intervention).

• Significant improvement in the Total Sensory Systems Score (SPM-2), indicating a shift from monochannel reliance to effective multi-sensory integration.

  The primary outcome will be measured using the Sensory Processing Measure-2 (SPM-2). The Total Sensory Systems Score will be assessed to evaluate changes in sensory integration abilities, specifically the shift from monochannel sensory processing to more effective multisensory integration. Assessments will be conducted at baseline and after completion of the intervention period.

  Baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately after completion of the intervention period (post-intervention).

Study Arms (1)

Aquatic Therapy Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants will receive aquatic therapy sessions as the sole intervention. The program aims to improve motor function, balance, muscle tone regulation, and upper limb coordination in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Outcomes will be assessed before and after the intervention period.

Behavioral: Aquatic Therapy

Interventions

Aquatic Therapy BEHAVIORAL

Participants will receive aquatic therapy sessions conducted in a therapeutic pool under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. The program will focus on improving sensory-motor integration, postural control, balance, muscle tone regulation, and functional motor skills in children with sensory processing disorder. Sessions will be delivered multiple times per week over a specified intervention period, with individualized exercises adapted to each child's abilities and therapeutic goals.

Aquatic Therapy Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 4 Years - 8 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Child (0-17)

You may qualify if:

• Children aged 4-8 years with a confirmed diagnosis of monochannel sensory processing disorder.

You may not qualify if:

• Medical Instability: Any acute illness, fever, or infectious diseases (e.g., ear infections or open wounds) that contraindicate pool therapy.
• Neurological Risks: Children with uncontrolled seizures or epilepsy that poses a safety risk in an aquatic environment.
• Severe Phobia: Extreme fear of water (hydrophobia) that prevents active participation in aquatic exercises.
• Recent Surgery: Any recent surgical interventions (orthopedic or neurological) that have not yet reached full clinical clearance for physical activity.
• Incontinence: Severe lack of bowel or bladder control unless specific medical swim diapers are utilized according to facility policy.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• MTI University: lead

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Sensation Disorders

Interventions

Aquatic Therapy

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Neurologic Manifestations; Nervous System Diseases; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Hydrotherapy; Physical Therapy Modalities; Therapeutics; Rehabilitation

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Lecture of pediatric physical therapy

Model Details: Two equal groups: Intervention group (Aquatic therapy) and Control group (Sensory room therapy), 30 children each. Group A: Aquatic Therapy Intervention (Experimental Group) The aquatic program utilizes the physical properties of water (buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure, and resistance) to provide multi-sensory input. * Warm-up (10 min): Acclimatization to water temperature and gentle rhythmic movements to reduce tactile defensiveness. * Sensory Integration Phase (30 min): * Proprioceptive \& Vestibular Input: Underwater jumping, pushing against water resistance, and rotational movements to enhance body awareness. * Tactile Stimulation: Using different water jets or textures (sponges/toys) to stimulate skin receptors and shift from monochannel reliance. * Multi-sensory Tasks: Reaching for colored objects while maintaining balance against water turbulence to integrate visual and motor systems. * Cool-down (10 min): Floating and deep breathing exercises utilizing hydrostatic pressure for ca

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 9, 2026
• First Posted: June 15, 2026
• Study Start: June 15, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): November 15, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): December 20, 2026
• Last Updated: June 15, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-06