Exergaming on Hand Dexterity In Autistic Children

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Through this study we aim to determine the effect of Exergaming on bimanual hand dexterity in Autistic children. This randomized controlled trial will recruit a sample of 20 autistic children as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria, through convenient sampling. The sample will be then randomly allocated to control group receiving the conventional dexterity training exercises and Intervention group which will be receiving conventional plus exergaming intervention.

Detailed Description
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A study showed that a structured traditional physical activity intervention that targets specific MS resulted in motor function improvement in children with ASD along with exergaming that can improve EF in children with ASD. On a population of 20 patients with CP, Structured Neurodevelopmental Therapy-based hand rehabilitation (SNDTBHR) was applied and in the results Positive effects of both interventions i.e. SNDTBHR and LMBET were found. Significant differences were found between LMBET and SNDTBHR on GGF, pinch forces, JHFT, and WCST all being in the favor of LMBET. Exergaming interventions in the individuals with ASD showed significant improvements in the physical fitness, executive functioning, and their self perception. Exergaming increased the interest and participation of Autistic children in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. In contrast, exergaming had small impact on emotional regulation As per the results of another study participants with poorer dexterity in the beginning of exergaming training program greatly improved their dexterity performance, which also improved their quality of life. Adherence and motivation increased significantly and system usability of the exergaming was acceptable. Participants with impaired dexterity showed improvement in the Nine-Hole Peg Test and the PDQ-39 According the researchers knowledge there have been numerous studies conducted on the effect of different exercise protocols on autistic children but there is lack of evidence in determining the effect of exergaming on specifically hand functioning/ dexterity in autistic population'. More studies should be done in order to check if exergaming or conventional treatment differ in their effect on hand dexterity in autistic children. Home based exergaming and low cost video assisted games for dexterity need more in depth study so that they can be readily used by general public.

Official Title
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Effects of Exergaming on Bimanual Hand Dexterity in Autistic Children

Conditions
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Autism Spectrum Disorder

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Exergaming
* Other: Conventional Dexterity Exercises


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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INCLUSION CRITERIA: Male and female children pre-diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Autistic Children who are compliant with exergaming EXCLUSION CRITERIA Children not pre-diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder Autistic Children who have other coordination disorder such as developmental coordination disorder Autistic Children with upper limb amputation. Autistic children with loss of vision

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 5 Years
Maximum Age: 12 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Exergaming<br>App based exercise games for dexterity will be used | Other: Exergaming<br>* exercise games will be done for a total of 8 weeks ,100min of exergaming/week (5 days × 20 min).<br>|
| Active Comparator: Conventional Dexterity Exercises<br>Dexterity exercises used conventionally will be done in this. | Other: Conventional Dexterity Exercises<br>* Exercises traditionally used for dexterity will be done for 8 weeks, 100min of exercises/week (5days × 20 min)<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test (MMDT) | This test evaluates the gross motor skill of the assessed individual, including the the unilateral and bilateral manual dexterity. It is used for various purposes including the measurement of disability , specific training programs and manual activities in practical life, as to hand grip strength | 4 weeks | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Box and Block Tests (BBT) | It is designed to measure manual dexterity, which often underestimated in assessment of patients. The BBT consists of transporting small pieces of wood from one side to the other for one minute. These blocks must be taken from end to end from a wooden box with partition. The number of blocks has to be recorded for the upper dominant and non-dominant member upon three attempts for each member | 4 weeks | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Autism Spectrum Disorder, Exergaming, Dexterity