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NCT Number: NCT07579000

SPARK Exercise Program and Game-based Training in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

This randomized controlled trial (RCT) will compare the effects of the SPARK program versus game-based circuit training on motor skills and social interaction in 22 children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) aged 5-12 years. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the SPARK group (n=11) or game-based training group (n=11) at a child rehabilitation center over 10 months. Each intervention will be delivered for 12 weeks, three times per week for 30 minutes. Motor proficiency will be measured using the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test (BOT-2), and social interaction using the Autism Social Skills Profile (ASSP). After ethical approval from Riphah International University, Lahore, data will be analyzed using SPSS version 23.

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Key information

Conditions

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

Age range

5 year–12 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

About this study

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often faces difficulties to perform motor skills and in social interactions which can affect their daily functioning and quality of life.

Motor difficulties such as poor coordination, balance deficits, delayed gross and fine motor skills mostly coexists with social communication impairments which can create a barrier to participate in physical activities and interaction with friends and family. Previous researches shows that structured physical activities can help to cop up with these difficulties. The aim of this experimental study to compare the effects of (SPARK) which is evidence-based exercise program to enhance the motor skills through skill-based activities while also focusing on social engagement through group play and Game-based training through circuit training such as adding different obstacle stations. This study want to find out which approach helps more to improve the motor skills and social interaction. Both approaches have significant individual benefits but their comparative effects remain unexplored. The aim of this study to fulfil this gap.The methodology for this project will be randomized control trail RCT. The data will be collected from the Child rehabilitation center. The study will be completed in 10 months after the approval of synopsis. 22 autistic children age 5-12 years will be randomly assigned into SPARK program (n-=11) or Game-based training (n=11). All the referred participants will be assessed for the eligibility criteria. Guardians of these participants wo are eligible will be asked to sign the consent form before entering them to the study. Each training will be conducted for 12 weeks with sessions conducted 3 times per week for 30 minutes. Motor Proficiency will be measured by Bruininks-Oseretsky (BOT-2). Social Interaction will be measured by Autism Social Skills Profile (ASSP).. This synopsis will be represented to research ethical committee of Riphah International university, Lahore for ethical approval to conduct this study. Data will be collected through SPSS version 23

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • ASD is diagnosed by Psychologist.
  • Age 5-12 years with ASD .
  • Participants having IQ greater than 70 by using Wechsler intelligence scale for children (WISC-4)

Exclusion criteria

  • Visual or auditory impairment or any orthopedic condition.
  • Participants currently enrolled in intensive Physiotherapy (to avoid confounding effects).
  • Recent traumatic injury and surgery (≤6 months).
  • There was previous involvement with the SPARK program among the participants.

Treatment and study plan

Structured Sports, Play, and Active Recreation for Kids Exercise program (SPARK)

Other

The SPARK intervention consists of 36 sessions, delivered 3 times per week for 40 minutes per session. Each session is divided into three parts: a 10-minute warm-up, a 20-minute main treatment, and a 10-minute cool-down. During the warm-up, a scramble interactive activity is performed in four positions: (1) prone lying on a soft surface, (2) quadruped (knees and hands on the floor), (3) quick standing with bent knees, and (4) jumping. The main treatment follows standard SPARK protocols, including heavy fitness activities (e.g., aerobic dance, running games, jump ropes) to develop endurance, abdomen, and upper body strength, followed by skill fitness activities (e.g., basketball, football, kickball) to improve fitness. The session ends with a 10-minute cool-down including deep breathing exercises.

Other names: SPARK

Game-based Training

Other

The game-based training intervention consists of 32 sessions over 16 weeks, with 2 sessions per week, each lasting 33 minutes. Each session is divided into three 11-minute segments: warm-up, agility exercises, and agility with a skill. The warm-up includes moderate-to-vigorous activities such as walking on toes and heels, jogging, and running fast between two cones placed 10 yards apart. The agility segment involves running over sequentially added hurdles (up to four), cones, rings, and a ladder. The final segment combines agility with fine and gross motor skills, including picking up bean bags, throwing a football, stacking cups, walking over hurdles, catching a football, zig-zag running through rings, and throwing a ball at a target. Participants complete three circuits per session while working in small groups to encourage social interaction

Primary outcomes

  1. Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2)

    Time frame: 1 months

    Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often faces difficulties to perform motor skills. The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2) is the most widely used assessment tool design to evaluate fine and gross motor skills in children and adolescent age 4 to 21.

  2. Autism social skills profile ASSP

    Time frame: 1 months

    Autism is also characterized by significant impairment in social interactions.Social skills play a vital role in overall child wellbeing and successful integration in society. These skills include effective communication, cooperation and emotional understanding which helps to develop the meaning full relationships.The autism Social Skills Profile (ASSP) was developed to measure the specific social skills and can be used for planning the intervention that focus on social skills enhancement deficit in children and adolescent of age 6-17 years old

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

IMRAN AMJAD, PHD

CONTACT

[email protected]

9233224390125

Muhammad ASIF Javed, PHD*

CONTACT

[email protected]

923224209422

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Riphah International University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Comparative Effects of Structured Sport, Play and Active Recreation for Kid Exercise Program and Game-based Training on Motor Proficiency and Social Interaction in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
May 11, 2026
Registry last updated
May 11, 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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