An interventional study of Conventional treatment and cawthorne cooksey exercises in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Vestibular Hypofunction, sponsored by Riphah International University. Recruiting at 1 site in Pakistan. Open to participants aged 7 Years to 15 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2025-07-11.
Sponsored by Riphah International University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
The objective of the study is to determine the effects of cawthorne cooksey exercises on balance in autistic children with vestibular hypofunction. The study will be randomized control trial including 2 experimental groups with estimated 22 participants in each group.
The complex neurodevelopmental disorder known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects people in a variety of ways, affecting their ability for social interaction, communication, and repetitive behavior. Typically, ASD is recognized and diagnosed in the early childhood years, although its impact can extend throughout a person's life. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a type of condition that affects how a child's brain develops. It appears that they have a somewhat different brain than others, which may have an impact on their behavior, social interactions, and communication. It can involve repetitive actions and a strong focus on specific interests. Symptoms of autism differ from person to person depending on age and ability that's why it is called spectrum disorder. Children with autism spectrum disorder appear to exhibit altered postural control when facing challenging situations. Postural control predominantly relies on the automatic system, necessitates focused attention during various straightforward or intricate tasks, and facilitates the regulation of postural control.
Vestibular functioning refers to operation and effectiveness of vestibular system, which is normally concerned with spatial orientation, movement, and balance. The system is located in the inner ear and comprises of semicircular canals (fluid-filled canals) and sensory receptors. Vestibular dysfunction is another common manifestation is autistic patients. It refers to impaired ability to sense and process sensory information associated with balance, movement, and spatial orientation. The manifestations of vestibular dysfunction include apprehensive behaviors when feet do not touch the ground, avoidance of jumping/climbing, and escaping activities like playing with playground equipment. The children usually exhibit toe walking and take more risks while playing. Interventions to improve balance due to vestibular dysfunction include trampoline Jumping, Gym ball exercises, balance board exercises. Balance issues play a huge role in life of an individual with autism. There is indeed a huge gap and lack of literature on how or if exercise protocols from physical therapy can influence balance in individuals with autism. Although, Previous studies have recommended that Balance issues and autism are directly related and that vestibular dysfunction plays a huge role in maintenance of posture. The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of Cawthorne Cooksey exercises on balance. This study will also influence how a physical therapist can improve quality of life of an individual with autism by improving their balance
1,727 studies on the registry are indexed under Autism Spectrum Disorder; 504 are open to participants now.
This study's planned enrollment of 44 is below the median of 52 across 1,371 interventional studies indexed under Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Browse Autism Spectrum Disorder studies →Riphah International University is the lead sponsor of 2,133 studies on the registry; 633 are open to participants now.
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Exclusion Criteria:
Conventional treatment include: Trampoline jumping Gym ball exercise:5reps'Sensory diet: Joint compressions Deeppressure Balance board exercises
Other: Conventional treatment
Cawthorne cooksey exercises
Other: cawthorne cooksey exercises
Trampolinejumping:5times. Gym ball exercise:5reps'Sensory diet:- Joint compressions: 1 set x 10reps on limbs, neck, and head region. Deeppressure:1 setx10reps. Balance board exercises.
Cawthorne Cooksey exercises * Start with low to moderate intensity. * Gradually increase range, speed, and Complexity over time * Trampoline jumping- Gym ball exercise- Sensory diet * Cawthorne Cooksey exer cise Training Phase1-In bed exerercises:- Eye movements: 1)Up and down 2)Side to side 3)Moving finger away from face * Phase2-Sitting: Eye movements as above. Head movements at firsts low, then quick later with eyes closed * bending forward and backward * turning from side to side. --Shoulder shrugging and circling * Bending forward and picking up objects from the ground * Phase 3 - Standing: * Eye, Head, Shoulder movements * Throwing ball from hand to hand, hand under knee * Switch to sitting to standing and turning around in between. * Phase 4 - Walk: with eyes closed and open: * Across room * Slope and Stairs
Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS)
Adapted from the Berg Balance Scale for pediatric use.Assesses flexibility in changing postures and overall postures. - Comprises 14 different balance- related tasks, scored from 0 to 4. Used to assess functional balance skills and motor disorders in school-aged children.
Time frame: 6 Weeks
CTSIB-M
This test is aimed to asses' sensory input when one or more sensory system is compromised. It Assess balance (either vestibular or non- vestibular). It consists of 4 different conditions; 4 conditions e.g. eye open/ eye close and firm surface. Eyes open/ eye close foam surface. each consist of 3 trials. Total time 30 sec for each trial and total score is 120. Excellent reliability and validity.
Time frame: 6 Weeks
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