Circuit Aerobic Training and Circuit Resistance Training in Autistic Spectrum Disorder Children

Launched by RIPHAH INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY · Jul 7, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how two types of exercise programs—circuit aerobic training and circuit resistance training—affect the heart and lung health of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Children with ASD often have challenges with communication and social skills, and they may also have lower physical fitness, which can impact their overall health and quality of life. This study aims to see which type of exercise might better improve their heart and lung function, helping to support their well-being beyond just physical health.

Children between the ages of 7 and 17 who have been diagnosed with autism using standard tests and have average daily living skills (like communication and socialization) may be eligible to join. Children with certain health problems, such as heart or lung issues, epilepsy, or intellectual disabilities, would not be able to take part. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two exercise groups: one will do aerobic exercises (which get the heart pumping), and the other will do resistance exercises (which focus on building strength). All participants will also do a simple hand grip exercise as a baseline. The study will measure their fitness and lung function through easy tests like walking for six minutes and using a device to check how well they can breathe out. This trial is currently recruiting participants and aims to find safe and effective ways to improve health in children with autism through exercise.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age 7-17
• • Diagnosed Autistic (ASD) Children with 2 gold standard test Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised .
• • Vineland scale-II completed by parents that assessed three dimensions of adaptive daily behaviors (communication, daily living skills and socialization), and children with average score between 85-115 out of total score 20-160 will be selected
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Contra-indication against physical exercise (e.g., cardiovascular disease or cardiac insufficiency that might alter heart rate (HR) response)
• • Psychiatric disorders or comorbid medical (e.g., no epilepsy)
• • Severe osteo-articular pathology
• • Respiratory disorders (e.g., asthma)
• • Medical treatment that may alter the metabolic response
• • Cognitive disabilities (IQ \< 70)