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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07484347

Combined Effects of Sensorimotor Integration and Post-facilitation Stretch in Autism Spectrum Disorder

To determine the effects of sensory motor integration and post facilitation stretch on toe walking and sensory processing behaviors using Foot Posture Index and Sensory Profile respectively.

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Key information

Conditions

Autism Spectrum Disorder Autistic Disorder Child Development Disorders, Pervasive Mental Disorders Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Age range

4 year–10 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Fauji Foundation Hospital

Islamabad, Punjab Province, Pakistan

About this study

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disease that involves communication, social interaction and language in different ways. The autism toe walker is affected by outside world contact refusal: touching the ground as little as possible, trying to avoid any contact. The pathological walking caused by myotendinous retraction of the sural muscles bilaterally, succeeding in transforming an equine "attitude" into structured clubfoot walking. Many therapy options have been described: no treatment, physical therapy or casting to stretch the gastrocnemius, soleus, and Achilles' tendon, surgical lengthening of the gastrocnemius, soleus and Achilles tendon, blocking plantar flexion.

Sensorimotor integration is the process by which motor behaviors and sensory system processing take place together, with motor actions being continuously guided by sensory information.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Children with diagnosed Mild Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Presenting with toe walk as a prominent feature of Autism Spectrum Disorder (e.g., more than 50% of steps observed during a gait assessment). Toe walking should be entirely because of Achilles tightness.
  • Able to follow simple verbal commands.
  • Sufficient gross motor skills present.

Exclusion criteria

  • Toe walking due to neurological (e.g., cerebral palsy, spina bifida, peripheral neuropathy) or orthopedic disorders (e.g., clubfoot, leg length discrepancy > 1 cm, hip dysplasia, contractures not related to idiopathic toe walking) and other behavioral factors that could be the primary cause of toe walking will be excluded.
  • History of Achilles tendon surgery or lower limb surgery.
  • Current participation in another physical therapy intervention targeting gait or posture
  • Severe behavioral/sensory issues that would interfere with treatment sessions i.e. severe Autism Spectrum Disorder with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder as well as mental retardation.
  • Non-ambulatory children.

Treatment and study plan

Sensorimotor Integration and Post-Facilitation Stretch

Other

Sensorimotor integration is facilitated by positioning the child in a seated posture and instructing them to use both feet to retrieve toys from a water-filled bucket and transfer them to another container. Other sensory motor integration activities involve play dough, hand imprinting etc.

Post-Facilitation Stretch

Other

Gastrocnemius and soleus stretch (standing and supine) Ankle dorsiflexion with resistance (manual or band-assisted)

Primary outcomes

  1. Foot Posture Index (FPI-6)

    Time frame: 4 weeks

    The Foot Posture Index (FPI) is a clinical tool used to assess and quantify the posture of the foot.

    Each of the six criteria is scored on a scale, typically from -2 to +2, with negative scores indicating supination, positive scores indicating pronation, and zero representing a neutral position. The individual scores are then summed to provide a total FPI score, which can range from -12 (highly supinated) to +12 (highly pronated).

  2. Universal Half Goniometer

    Time frame: 4 weeks

    Goniometers are a type of instrument used for precisely measuring angles. Goniometers consist of a graduated semicircle or full-circle where the measurements of angles are read, and two arms that meet at the vertex at the center of the semicircle or circle.

  3. Sensory Profile (Short Form)

    Time frame: 4 weeks

    The Short Sensory Profile (SSP) is a caregiver questionnaire used to assess sensory processing patterns in children, particularly those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It helps identify how children respond to various sensory stimuli and how these responses might impact their daily lives. The SSP is a shortened version of the Sensory Profile, designed for children aged 3 to 10 years.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Riphah International University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Combined Effects of Sensorimotor Integration and Post-facilitation Stretch on Toe Walking and Foot Posture in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Mar 20, 2026
Registry last updated
Aug 6, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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