Examining the Effects of Group Versus Individual Based Exercise Program on Balance and Coordination in Children With Autism

NCT07799051 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: IIUI/RERC/ADT/2026/01/213
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 16
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study compared the effects of group-based versus individual-based exercise programs on balance and coordination in children aged 3-12 years who were diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Level 1. A total of 16 children were recruited and randomly allocated into two groups (n=8 each): Group A (individual-based) and Group B (group-based). Both groups received 40-minute exercise sessions, 3 days per week, for 6 weeks. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after 6 weeks using the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) and neurological coordination tests (Finger-to-Nose, Heel-to-Shin, Past-Pointing).

Conditions

Autism

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (4)

• Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS)

  It is a comprehensive and effective scale evaluating the balance in the following three dimensions: static balance, anticipatory balance, and functional movement transitions. The scale comprises 14 items including sitting balance, standing balance, sitting to standing/standing to sitting, transfers, stepping, reaching forward with outstretched arm, reaching the floor, turning, and placing foot on stool items. Each item ranked from 0 to 4. 0 shows inability to perform the instruction, while 4 shows the ability to perform without any difficulty. Maximum total score is 56. The intraobserver agreement of the PBS total score was high, perfectly (ICC=0.927).(15, 16) PBS can be considered a simple, valid scale for examining functional balance capacity in children with neurological disorders.

  Assessed at Baseline (Week 0) and Post-intervention (Week 6).

• Finger-to-Nose Test

  A widely used neurological test for evaluating cerebellar function and upper limb coordination, the finger-to-nose test involves the patient alternately touching the examiner's finger and their nose in a smooth, controlled manner. Its reliability is generally moderate to good. Its validity is thought to be good for detecting gross cerebellar dysfunction, coordination, intention tremor, and dysmetria. Sensitivity roughly 60-85% and specificity around 70-90, while its reliability is usually moderate to good, with inter-rater reliability coefficients (ICC or kappa) commonly reported in the range of 0.60-0.85.

  Assessed at Baseline and Week 6

• Heel-to-Shin Test

  The heel-to-shin test is a neurological examination used to evaluate lower-limb coordination and cerebellar function. The patient is asked to place the heel of one foot on the opposite knee and smoothly slide it down the shin to the ankle. Normal performance is smooth and accurate; abnormal findings, such as irregular movement, side-to-side wavering, inability to maintain contact, or intention tremor, suggest cerebellar dysfunction, sensory ataxia. Studies report sensitivity ranging approximately from 65-90% and specificity around 70-95% for detecting significant cerebellar dysfunction, depending on standardization and patient population, while its reliability is generally moderate to good, with reported inter-rater and intra-rater reliability coefficients (ICC or kappa) typically between 0.60 and 0.85.

  Assessed at Baseline and Week 6

• Past-Pointing Test

  When a person consistently overshoots or undershoots a target during voluntary, goal-directed movements, it is a sign of impaired cerebellar coordination. It reflects defective error correction and timing of agonist-antagonist muscle activity normally regulated by the cerebellum, leading to dysmetria. It becomes more pronounced when visual guidance is removed, which worsens primarily with eyes closed, multiple sclerosis, and autism. Sensitivity (\~60-80%) and good specificity (\~70-90%).

  Assessed at Baseline and Week 6

Study Arms (2)

Group A - Individual-Based Exercise Program

EXPERIMENTAL

Individual-Based Physiotherapy Exercise Program (40 min/session, 3×/week, 6 weeks): Warm-up, balance and coordination exercises (single-leg stance, animal walks, wobble board, ball games, obstacle course), cool-down activities.

Other: Individual based

Group B - Group-Based Exercise Program

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Group-Based Physiotherapy Exercise Program (40 min/session, 3×/week, 6 weeks): Same protocol as Group A but delivered in group, incorporating peer interaction and social modeling.

Other: Group Based Exercise

Interventions

Individual based OTHER

Individual-Based Physiotherapy Exercise Program (40 min/session, 3×/week, 6 weeks): Warm-up, balance and coordination exercises (single-leg stance, animal walks, wobble board, ball games, obstacle course), cool-down activities.

Group A - Individual-Based Exercise Program

Group Based Exercise OTHER

Group-Based Physiotherapy Exercise Program (40 min/session, 3×/week, 6 weeks): Same protocol as Group A but delivered in group, incorporating peer interaction and social modeling.

Group B - Group-Based Exercise Program

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 3 Years - 12 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Child (0-17)

You may qualify if:

• Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (level one severity).
• Age 3-12 years.
• Ability to understand simple instructions.
• No participation in previous physiotherapy balance programs.

You may not qualify if:

• Co-existing intellectual disability or ADHD.
• Visual impairments.
• Chronic medical disorders affecting mobility or postural control.
• Inability to participate consistently in sessions.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Ibadat International University, Islamabad: lead

Study Sites (1)

Primal Support Rehabilitation Centers and Special Education Institutions

Abbottābād, KPK, Pakistan

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Autistic Disorder

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Autism Spectrum Disorder; Child Development Disorders, Pervasive; Neurodevelopmental Disorders; Mental Disorders

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: August 28, 2026
• First Posted: September 2, 2026
• Study Start: January 6, 2026
• Primary Completion: March 6, 2026
• Study Completion: June 10, 2026
• Last Updated: September 24, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-09

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

PA (1)