The Effects of Exercise in Anxiety 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 programme on anxiety and behaviour levels in children with autism.

Detailed Description
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This study will examine the effects of a school based exercise programme on anxiety and behaviour levels in children with autism. Local special autism schools and primary and secondary schools with specialised classes for children with autism will be approached to participate in the project. The age profile of the children will be 4-18 yrs of age and they will have mild-severe levels of autism. The exercise programme will delivered 3 times per week in the schools over periods of 8-16 weeks dependent on the severity of autism within the children. 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 anxiety levels and behaviour as a result of the exercise programme.

Official Title
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The Effects of a School Based Exercise Programme on Behaviour and Anxiety in Children With ASD

Conditions
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Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety, Behavior

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: 18 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 anxiety<br>An exercise programme will be administered 3 times a week for up to an 16 week period of time in a school setting. Each exercise class will last 60 minutes. The exercise classes will involve aspects of fundamental movement skills and will be fun for the students to participate in. | Other: Exercise<br>* An exercise programme will be delivered in the school for a period of up to 16 weeks. 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 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Anxiety | Changes in anxiety levels of the children will be assessed using the Anxiety Scale for Children -ASD. | Change from baseline at Week 8 and Week 16 | 
| Behaviour | Changes in the behaviour of the children will be assessed using the Nisingor Child Behaviour Rating Form | Change from baseline at Week 8 and Week 16 | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Fitness level | The modified Eurofit test will be used to assess the fitness levels of children | Change from baseline at Week 8 and Week 16 | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Autism, Anxiety, Exercise, Behaviour