The Effects of Exercise on Behavior and Fitness in Children With ASD

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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This study will examine the effects of a school based exercise intervention programme on the behaviour and fitness levels in children with autism.

Detailed Description
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This study will examine the effects of a school based exercise intervention programme on the behaviour and fitness levels in children with autism. Local primary schools who have an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) class will be approached to participate in the project. The age profile of the children will be 4-12 years of age and they will have mild-sever levels of autism. The exercise intervention programme will be delivered 3 times per week in the schools over an 8 week period. Children will be fitness tested to assess the change in fitness levels over the 8 week period. Questionnaires will be given to the parents and teachers of the children at the beginning and at the end of the programme to assess changes in behaviour levels as a result of the exercise intervention programme.

Official Title
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The Effects of an Exercise Intervention Programme on Behaviour and Fitness Levels in Children With ASD.

Conditions
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Behavior, Autism Spectrum Disorder

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Exercise


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: • Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder Exclusion Criteria: • Any medical condition which excludes the child from partaking in exercise

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 4 Years
Maximum Age: 13 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Exercise effects on Behavior<br>An exercise intervention programme will be implemented 3 times a week for an 8 week period of time in a school setting. Each exercise class will last 60 minutes. The exercise classes will be fun for the students to participate in and will involve aspects of fundamental movement skills. | Other: Exercise<br>* An exercise intervention programme will be delivered in each school for an 8 week period. Exercise classes will take place 3 times a week and will be of 60 minutes duration.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Behavior | Changes in behavior levels of the children will be assessed using the Aberrant Behavior Checklist and | Change from baseline at Week 4 and Week 8 | 
| Behavior | Changes in behavior levels of the children will be assessed using the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale 2nd Edition. Higher the value (total score) the more likely the individual has Autism. | Change from baseline at Week 4 and Week 8 | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Fitness Level | The modified eurofit test will be used to investigate fitness levels of the children | Change from baseline at Wkke 4 and Week 8 |