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

Summary

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that impacts a child's ability to communicate and interact socially, often accompanied by repetitive behaviors and unique patterns of activity. In addition to these core characteristics, children with ASD frequently exhibit lower levels of physical fitness and are at risk for a range of health concerns, including compromised cardiovascular health and reduced respiratory function. These physical limitations can contribute to broader health disparities and reduced quality of life. Regular physical activity is increasingly recognized as an important element in managing these challenges, offering benefits that extend beyond physical health to improve social skills, behavior, and overall well-being. However, understanding which types of physical activity can most effectively enhance cardiorespiratory fitness and respiratory performance in children with ASD remains a developing field. Examining the effects of structured exercise programs, such as circuit training, can provide valuable insights into optimizing fitness strategies that cater to the unique needs of children on the autism spectrum. The objective of study is to determine the effects of circuit aerobic training and circuit resistance training on cardiorespiratory fitness, cardiovascular responses, and peak expiratory flow rate in Autistic spectrum disorder children It is a randomized clinical trial. A consecutive sampling technique will be used to recruit the ASD children for the study. Then, they will be divided into two groups by simple random sampling through sealed opaque enveloped. Hand Grip Exercise will be given as baseline treatment. In group A patients will be given with circuit aerobic training while in group B patients will be given with circuit resistance training. The 6-minute walk test will be used to assess cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2 max), peak expiratory flow meter will be used to check peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), and digital sphygmomanometer will be used to check cardiovascular response. Data will be entered and analyzed through SPSS version 21.

Conditions

• Autism

Interventions

OTHER

Circuit Aerobic Training

Participant will start with five-minute warm-up consisting of running at a heart rate under 100 beats per minute, followed by stretching for 20 sec. For the 30-minute aerobic portion of the exercise sessions, in weeks 1 - 2, participants will be required to complete two circuits of walking for 5 minutes, stepping up and down on a 30 cm step for 4 minutes, and walking backward and forward for 10 meters for 5 minutes. In weeks 3 - 4, participants will complete two circuits of walking for 4 1/2 minutes, stepping up and down on a 30 cm step for 4 minutes, and walking backward and forward for 10 meters for 5 minutes. In weeks 5 - 6, participants will complete two circuits of walking for 5 minutes, stepping up and down on a 30 cm step for 5 minutes, and walking backward and forward for 10 meters for 5 minutes. The rest interval between the circuits will be 5 minutes and between the sets between 30 seconds. The intensity of the aerobic exercises will be maintained at 9 - 15 on the rating of

OTHER

Circuit Resistance Training

Participant will start with five-minute warm-up consisting of running at a heart rate under 100 beats per minute, followed by stretching for 20 sec. For the 30-minute resistance portion of the exercise sessions, in weeks 1 - 2, participants will be required to complete two circuits of hamstring curl with ankle weight on each leg for 5 minutes, leg raises with ankle weight on each leg for 4 minutes, and modified squats with weights for 5 minutes. In weeks 3 - 4, participants will complete two circuits of hamstring curl with ankle weight on each leg for 4 1/2 minutes, leg raises with ankle weight on each leg for 4 minutes, and modified squats with weights for 5 minutes. In weeks 5 - 6, participants will complete two circuits of hamstring curl with ankle weight on each leg for 5 minutes, leg raises with ankle weight on each leg for 5 minutes, and modified squats with weights for 5 minutes. The rest interval between the circuits will be 5 minutes and between the sets between 30 seconds. Ch

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Riphah International University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Danish Hassan, PhD · Riphah International University

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

7 Years

Max Age

17 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-05-01

Primary Completion

2025-11-30

Completion

2025-12-30

Countries

• Pakistan

Study Locations