Effect of Virtual Reality-based Training on Balance and Walking in Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Completed · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Autism Spectrum Disorder

In brief

The goal of this clinical trial is to assess the effect of short-term (3 days/week for 2 weeks) Virtual Reality (VR) active video gaming intervention on static and dynamic balance, versus traditional balance training exercises, in youth with ASD. The participants in the intervention group will engage in VR active video gaming using the Nintendo Switch Sports under supervision via Zoom for 6 sessions occurring over 2 weeks, from their home. While, the participants in the control group will engage in standard physical therapy exercises for balance and walking under supervision via Zoom, for 6 sessions occurring over 2 weeks, from their home. Their balance and walking will be assessed 3 times, 3-5 days before the intervention, 3-5 days after the intervention and 4-weeks after the intervention. * Participants static balance will be assessed by standing on pressure mat, under 2 conditions, eyes open and eyes closed for 30 seconds each. * The Pediatric Berg's balance Scale (PBS), a 14-point scale containing everyday activities, will be used as a clinical measure for assessing the static and dynamic balance. * 13-infra-red camera motion capture system, Qualisys, will be used for assessing the walking. The difference in the balance and walking parameters will be assessed and compared.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT06023563

Run by

Indiana University

People needed

13

Starts

2023-05-15

Expected to finish

2024-04-19

Last updated by the study team

2026-06-02

Who can join

Age: 7 and older, up to 22. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• age 7-22 years,
• existing ASD DSM-5 level 1 or 2 diagnosis confirmed by medical record/ educational services categorized under ASD/ therapeutic services categorized under ASD/ any other official document indicating the diagnosis of ASD,
• able to follow instructions and
• able to stand unsupported for at least 20 minutes.

You may not qualify if…

• epilepsy or other medical conditions which can be exacerbated by looking at a screen,
• Uncorrected vision loss or any other eye condition prohibiting looking at the screen for a prolong time,
• co-occurring musculoskeletal conditions such as joint or muscle pain or stiffness that limits mobility, implanted plates, pins, or screws that limit mobility, fractures or recent surgeries or any other physical condition that could interfere with the ability to play an active video game
• co-occurring neurological conditions such as numbness or muscle weakness, temporary loss of vision, speech or strength, loss of consciousness (black out), Dizziness or lightheadedness, Impaired memory or confusion, any other cooccurring diagnosis that could be negatively impacted by playing an active video game
• any other health conditions that are contraindicated to or may interfere with physical activity such as impaired hearing (uncorrected), medically documented balance disorder, Any heart condition prohibiting exercise, chronic pain or any pain at the time of testing, need assistance to stand for 20 minutes or more,
• aggression or other severe behaviors that may limit the ability to safely participate in the intervention.

Where it is running

• Indiana University Bloomington — Bloomington, Indiana, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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