AzTrials
AzTrials

AutismNCT07068659

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

A study testing Circuit Aerobic Training and Circuit Resistance Training in people with Autism, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial 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. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 7 to 17 years
Conditions the study is for
Autism
What is being tested?
Circuit Aerobic Training and Circuit Resistance Training
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
32 participants
Where
1 sitePakistan
Study dates
1 May 2025to 30 Dec 2025
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 7 to 17 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Child

Who may be able to join

  • 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

Who cannot join

  • 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)

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Pakistan1 site
  • Riphah Rehabilitation Clinic

    Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000

Other trials in Pakistan

About this study

Official title: Effects of Circuit Aerobic Training and Circuit Resistance Training on Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Cardiovascular Response, and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate in Autistic Spectrum Disorder Children

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.

Read the detailed description

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is defined as a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by two key symptoms: persistent deficits in social communication/interaction and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior and abnormal sensory responses. The severity of these symptoms varies extensively from one patient to another, leading to a multitude of clinical presentations. Onset of ASD can usually be observed during childhood, with signs detectable as early as 18 months of age. However, ASD remains extremely challenging to diagnose due to the diversity of clinical presentations and diagnosis requires both awareness from parents and caregivers to detect signs and an assessment from a multidisciplinary medical/paramedical team to confirm signs.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates the international prevalence of ASD at 0.76%; however, this only accounts for approximately 16% of the global child population. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates about 1.68% of United States (US) children aged 8 years (or 1 in 59 children) are diagnosed with ASD. ASD occurs in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups, but its diagnosis is far from uniform across these groups. ASD is more common in males but in a recent meta-analysis, true male-to-female ratio is closer to 3:1 than the previously reported 4:1, though this study was not done using the DSM-5 criteria. Studies of children with sex chromosome aneuploidy describe a specific social functioning profile in males that suggests more vulnerability to autism.

Several studies have indicated different treatment techniques used to minimize the effects and the intensity of the symptoms, including antecedent-based treatments, consequence-based treatments, extinction-based treatments, and combinations of treatment strategies, psychopharmalogical-based treatment, and the use of physical exercise. Studies have been demonstrated that physical exercise ameliorates deficits in social interaction, reduces aggressive behaviors, and reduces stereotypical behavior in children, teenagers, and adults with ASD. Circuit aerobic training consists of a sequence of cardiovascular exercises performed with minimal rest periods between sets, aiming to keep the heart rate elevated and improve endurance. This type of training typically includes activities such as jumping jacks, running in place, and step-ups, arranged to target different muscle groups while maintaining a high level of aerobic intensity. Research indicates that circuit aerobic training effectively enhances cardiorespiratory fitness by stimulating sustained energy expenditure and cardiovascular adaptation. The continuous nature of the exercises promotes an increased oxygen uptake and endurance capacity, making it a valuable component of fitness programs for improving overall aerobic health. Circuit resistance training involves a series of strength-focused exercises performed in a structured sequence with limited rest intervals. This method integrates various resistance exercises targeting major muscle groups, such as squats, push-ups, and weightlifting activities, designed to build muscular strength and endurance while maintaining an elevated heart rate. The approach not only contributes to muscle development but also fosters improvements in cardiovascular health due to its dynamic and fast-paced nature. Studies show that circuit resistance training supports muscle hypertrophy, enhances power, and improves metabolic efficiency, offering comprehensive benefits for both strength and cardiovascular conditioning.

The study on the "Effects of Circuit Aerobic Training and Circuit Resistance Training on Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Cardiovascular Responses, and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate in Autistic Spectrum Disorder Patients" possesses substantial societal worth. People with ASD often have difficulties with motor skills, physical activity, and health-related fitness, which affects their general quality of life significantly. Effective strategies to enhance cardiorespiratory fitness, cardiovascular health, and respiratory function in people with ASD could be found by investigating customized physical training regimens. Improvements in social interaction, mental stability, and physical health may encourage increased independence and participation in community events. In order to promote a more accepting and helpful society, healthcare professionals, educators, and carers may be encouraged to implement evidence-based fitness programs that enhance the physical well-being of individuals with ASD while simultaneously encouraging their cognitive and emotional growth.

Conditions
Autism
Being tested
Circuit Aerobic Training, Circuit Resistance Training
Keywords
Autism spectrum disorder, Cardiorespiratory fitness, Peak expiratory flow rate, Circuit Training
Medical subject headings
Autistic Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Circuit Aerobic TrainingOther

    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

  • Circuit Resistance TrainingOther

    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

Study groups in NCT07068659
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Group AExperimentalCircuit Aerobic Training
Receives: Other: Circuit Aerobic Training
Group BActive comparatorCircuit Resistance Training
Receives: Other: Circuit Resistance Training

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Peak Expiratory Flow Rate

    Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) is a lung function test measuring the maximum speed of exhalation (in L/min) using a peak flow meter to assess airway obstruction, primarily for asthma management. Normal readings typically range from 400-700 L/min for adults

    Measured: Baseline, Week 3, Week 6

  2. Modified Six Minute Walk Test

    The Modified Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) is a submaximal exercise test measuring the distance an individual can walk on a flat, hard surface in 6 minutes, commonly used to assess functional capacity in cardiopulmonary patients. While typically performed on a 30-meter course, modifications (e.g., shorter paths) can significantly alter results, reducing distances by up to 77 meters

    Measured: Baseline, Week 3, Week 6

  3. Systolic Blood Pressure

    Systolic blood pressure, the top number in a reading (e.g., 120/80 mmHg), measures the maximum pressure in your arteries when the heart contracts and pumps blood. A normal reading is less than 120 mmHg, while 130-139 mmHg is Stage 1 hypertension.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 3, Week 6

  4. Disatolic Blood Pressure

    Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) is the bottom number in a reading, measuring pressure in the arteries when the heart muscle rests between beats. A normal reading is typically less than (e.g., ), with under potentially indicating hypotension. High DBP (>

    ) often requires lifestyle adjustments.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 3, Week 6

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted16 Jul 2025
  2. Study start1 May 2025
  3. Primary completion30 Nov 2025
  4. Study completion30 Dec 2025

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Double blind
Who is masked
Participant, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
32 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07068659
Sponsor's protocol ID
Lizza- REC/RCR&AHS 24/0365
Status last verified
Feb 2026
First submitted
7 Jul 2025
Last updated
25 Feb 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Toscano CVA, Ferreira JP, Quinaud RT, Silva KMN, Carvalho HM, Gaspar JM. Exercise improves the social and behavioral skills of children and adolescent with autism spectrum disorders. Front Psychiatry. 2022 Dec 22;13:1027799. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1027799. eCollection 2022.

    PubMed 36620673
  • Hodges H, Fealko C, Soares N. Autism spectrum disorder: definition, epidemiology, causes, and clinical evaluation. Transl Pediatr. 2020 Feb;9(Suppl 1):S55-S65. doi: 10.21037/tp.2019.09.09.

    PubMed 32206584
  • Bougeard C, Picarel-Blanchot F, Schmid R, Campbell R, Buitelaar J. Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Co-morbidities in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Literature Review. Front Psychiatry. 2021 Oct 27;12:744709. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.744709. eCollection 2021.

    PubMed 34777048

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Circuit Aerobic Training and Circuit Resistance Training in people with Autism, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 25 Feb 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (time frame: Baseline, Week 3, Week 6). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07068659, which also lists 3 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 25 Feb 2026.

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