Autism Spectrum DisorderDPPTNCT07248254
Effects Of DPPT On Motor Skills And Sleep In Children With Autism
A study testing Wilbarger Deep Pressure and Proprioceptive Technique (DPPT) in people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
It will be conducted as a Quasi Experimental study across pediatric therapy centers, specialized autism clinics, and special schools. Using non-probability convenience sampling, the study will enroll Autistic children aged 6-10 years who exhibit sensory processing difficulties, motor skill delays, and sleep… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 6 to 12 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- What is being tested?
- Wilbarger Deep Pressure and Proprioceptive Technique (DPPT)
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 40 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 29 Oct 2025to 23 Feb 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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 6 to 12 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Child
Who may be able to join
- Children diagnosed with Autism
- Both Genders Males and Females
- Age 6-11
- Autistic children diagnosed with sensory processing disorder and reported with motor skill delays and sleep disturbances.
- Children scoring within the "Definite Difference" range in sensory processing areas on the Sensory Profile 2.
Who cannot join
- Children with other neurological or Developmental disorders
- No serious physical or behavioral impairments (blindness and deafness)
- Children with multiple diagnosis along with ASD.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Pakistan1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Mind Care Therapy Centre
Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000
IMRAN AMJAD, PhD, 9233224390125, imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk
Muhammad Asif Javed, MS-PT, 923224209422, a.javed@riphah.edu.pk
About this study
Official title: Effects of Wilbarger Deep Pressure and Proprioceptive Technique (DPPT) on Motor Skills and Sleep Pattern in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder.
It will be conducted as a Quasi Experimental study across pediatric therapy centers, specialized autism clinics, and special schools. Using non-probability convenience sampling, the study will enroll Autistic children aged 6-10 years who exhibit sensory processing difficulties, motor skill delays, and sleep disturbances. Exclusion criteria include other neurological or developmental disorders and children with major physical problems. Motor skills will be assessed with the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2), and sleep quality will be measured using the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ).
Participants will be receiving Wilbarger DPPT along with their usual therapy sessions, which may include general occupational therapy, physical therapy, ABA etc. The DPPT intervention will occur three times per week for six weeks, with each session lasting approximately 30-45 minutes, including brushing, joint compressions, and calming activities. Data will be collected at baseline and post-intervention, focusing on motor skill improvement and sleep quality changes. SPSS version 23 will be used for statistical analysis.
Read the detailed description
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) frequently experience sensory processing difficulties, where they may either overreact or underreact to sensory stimuli in their environment. This sensory deregulation can significantly impact essential functions, including motor skills and sleep quality, both0 crucial for overall development and day-to day engagement. Sensory Integration Therapy (SIT), is a well-established approach used to help individuals with sensory processing challenges. Ayres' work emphasized that when the brain effectively organizes sensory input, it can foster better behavioral and motor responses, leading to improved participation in daily activities. Various sensory-based interventions have been developed, including Wilbarger Deep Pressure and Proprioceptive Technique (DPPT). The Wilbarger protocol, or DPPT, is a specific approach using firm pressure and joint compressions at regular intervals, aiming to create a calming, organizing effect on the nervous system. The "brushing" aspect of this technique involves using a soft surgical brush over the skin to stimulate sensory receptors, followed by compressions to the joints, which is thought to help regulate sensory input and reduce sensory defensiveness. This study aims to assess the impact of DPPT on motor skills and sleep patterns in children with ASD, exploring whether DPPT can enhance functional motor skills and improve sleep quality.
It will be conducted as a Quasi Experimental study across pediatric therapy centers, specialized autism clinics, and special schools. Using non-probability convenience sampling, the study will enroll Autistic children aged 6-10 years who exhibit sensory processing difficulties, motor skill delays, and sleep disturbances. Exclusion criteria include other neurological or developmental disorders and children with major physical problems. Motor skills will be assessed with the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2), and sleep quality will be measured using the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ).
Participants will be receiving Wilbarger DPPT along with their usual therapy sessions, which may include general occupational therapy, physical therapy, ABA etc. The DPPT intervention will occur three times per week for six weeks, with each session lasting approximately 30-45 minutes, including brushing, joint compressions, and calming activities. Data will be collected at baseline and post-intervention, focusing on motor skill improvement and sleep quality changes. SPSS version 23 will be used for statistical analysis.
- Conditions
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Being tested
- Wilbarger Deep Pressure and Proprioceptive Technique (DPPT)
- Keywords
- Wilbarger Protocol, DPPT, Autism
- Medical subject headings
- Autism Spectrum Disorder, Autistic Disorder
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Wilbarger Deep Pressure and Proprioceptive Technique (DPPT)Other
Participants will receive the Wilbarger Deep Pressure and Proprioceptive Technique (DPPT). Each session will begin in a calm, quiet environment to reduce distractions, with the therapist explaining the process in simple terms. The brushing protocol involves using a soft surgical brush to apply firm yet gentle deep pressure to the arms, back, legs, and feet for about 5-10 minutes. This is followed by gentle joint compressions to the shoulders, elbows, knees, and ankles, each held for 3-5 seconds, lasting another 5-10 minutes. Afterward, calming activities such as deep breathing or quiet play help the child integrate the sensory input. The DPPT will be administered three times per week for six weeks, with each session lasting approximately 30-45 minutes, including brushing, joint compressions, and calming activities.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Intervention group | Other | Participants will receive the Wilbarger Deep Pressure and Proprioceptive Technique (DPPT) along with their usual therapies (OT, PT, ABA) to improve sensory processing, motor skills, and sleep in children with ASD. Sessions will be conducted in a calm setting, with explanations provided to ensure comfort. The DPPT includes 5-10 minutes of deep-pressure brushing using a soft surgical brush on the arms, back, legs, and feet, followed by 5-10 minutes of gentle joint compressions on shoulders, elbows, knees, and ankles (3-5 seconds each). Calming activities like deep breathing or quiet play will follow to aid sensory integration. The intervention will occur thrice weekly for six weeks (30-45 minutes/session). Progress will be measured using BOT-2 for motor skills and CSHQ for sleep at baseline and post-intervention. Receives: Other: Wilbarger Deep Pressure and Proprioceptive Technique (DPPT) |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Bruininks-Oseretsky test for Motor Proficiency (BOT-2)
The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, Second Edition (BOT-2) is an individually administered test that uses engaging, goal-directed activities to measure a wide array of motor skills in individuals ages 4 through 21. The BOT-2 uses a subtest and composite structure that highlights motor performance in the broad functional areas of stability, mobility, strength, coordination, and object manipulation.
Measured: Baseline,6 weeks
Children Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ)
The Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) is one of the most commonly used assessment tools for pediatric sleep. It is used both in research and in the clinical field. The CSHQ is a 45-item questionnaire. Each question on the questionnaire is rated on a 3-point scale based on the frequency of occurrence within the past week.
Resp Sets are categorized as ''usually'' (5-7 times within the past week), ''sometimes'' (2-4 times within the past week), or ''rarely (never of 1 time within the past week). Some items on the questionnaire are reverse-scored, ensuring that higher scores consistently indicate problem behaviors. All responses are totaled to create a Total Sleep Disturbance index (range from 33 99), with a score exceeding 41 suggesting the presence of a pediatric sleep disorder.
Measured: Baseline,6 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted25 Nov 2025
- Study start29 Oct 2025
- Primary completion20 Feb 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion23 Feb 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Autism Spectrum DisorderStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Riphah International UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
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
- Other
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Model description
- A quasi-experimental study will be conducted across pediatric therapy centers, autism clinics, and special schools using convenience sampling. Autistic children aged 6-10 years with sensory processing difficulties, motor delays, and sleep disturbances will be included, excluding those with other neurological or major physical disorders. Motor skills will be assessed using the BOT-2 and sleep quality with the CSHQ. Participants will receive the Wilbarger DPPT along with routine therapies (e.g., OT, PT, ABA) three times weekly for six weeks (30-45 min/session). Data will be collected at baseline and post-intervention to assess motor and sleep improvements. Statistical analysis will be performed using SPSS v23.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- AIZA ZAMIR, MS-PT, Principal investigator, Riphah International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07248254
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- REC/RCR&AHS/AIZAZAMIR
- Acronym
- DPPT
- Status last verified
- Feb 2026
- First submitted
- 18 Nov 2025
- Last updated
- 25 Feb 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Schoen SA, Schaaf RC, Mailloux Z, Bundy A, Lane S, May-Benson TA, Parham LD, Roley SS. Response: Commentary: Evaluating Sensory Integration/Sensory Processing Treatment: Issues and Analysis. Front Integr Neurosci. 2022 Jun 7;16:874320. doi: 10.3389/fnint.2022.874320. eCollection 2022. No abstract available.
PubMed 35747497
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 25 Feb 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Wilbarger Deep Pressure and Proprioceptive Technique (DPPT) on Motor Skills and Sleep Pattern in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder.
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07248254
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- DPPT / REC/RCR&AHS/AIZAZAMIR
- Conditions
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Keywords
- Wilbarger Protocol, DPPT, Autism
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 29 Oct 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 20 Feb 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 23 Feb 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 25 Nov 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
It will be conducted as a Quasi Experimental study across pediatric therapy centers, specialized autism clinics, and special schools. Using non-probability convenience sampling, the study will enroll Autistic children aged 6-10 years who exhibit sensory processing difficulties, motor skill delays, and sleep disturbances. Exclusion criteria include other neurological or developmental disorders and children with major physical problems. Motor skills will be assessed with the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2), and sleep quality will be measured using the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ).
Participants will be receiving Wilbarger DPPT along with their usual therapy sessions, which may include general occupational therapy, physical therapy, ABA etc. The DPPT intervention will occur three times per week for six weeks, with each session lasting approximately 30-45 minutes, including brushing, joint compressions, and calming activities. Data will be collected at baseline and post-intervention, focusing on motor skill improvement and sleep quality changes. SPSS version 23 will be used for statistical analysis.
Detailed description
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) frequently experience sensory processing difficulties, where they may either overreact or underreact to sensory stimuli in their environment. This sensory deregulation can significantly impact essential functions, including motor skills and sleep quality, both0 crucial for overall development and day-to day engagement. Sensory Integration Therapy (SIT), is a well-established approach used to help individuals with sensory processing challenges. Ayres' work emphasized that when the brain effectively organizes sensory input, it can foster better behavioral and motor responses, leading to improved participation in daily activities. Various sensory-based interventions have been developed, including Wilbarger Deep Pressure and Proprioceptive Technique (DPPT). The Wilbarger protocol, or DPPT, is a specific approach using firm pressure and joint compressions at regular intervals, aiming to create a calming, organizing effect on the nervous system. The "brushing" aspect of this technique involves using a soft surgical brush over the skin to stimulate sensory receptors, followed by compressions to the joints, which is thought to help regulate sensory input and reduce sensory defensiveness. This study aims to assess the impact of DPPT on motor skills and sleep patterns in children with ASD, exploring whether DPPT can enhance functional motor skills and improve sleep quality.
It will be conducted as a Quasi Experimental study across pediatric therapy centers, specialized autism clinics, and special schools. Using non-probability convenience sampling, the study will enroll Autistic children aged 6-10 years who exhibit sensory processing difficulties, motor skill delays, and sleep disturbances. Exclusion criteria include other neurological or developmental disorders and children with major physical problems. Motor skills will be assessed with the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2), and sleep quality will be measured using the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ).
Participants will be receiving Wilbarger DPPT along with their usual therapy sessions, which may include general occupational therapy, physical therapy, ABA etc. The DPPT intervention will occur three times per week for six weeks, with each session lasting approximately 30-45 minutes, including brushing, joint compressions, and calming activities. Data will be collected at baseline and post-intervention, focusing on motor skill improvement and sleep quality changes. SPSS version 23 will be used for statistical analysis.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 1
- Model description
- A quasi-experimental study will be conducted across pediatric therapy centers, autism clinics, and special schools using convenience sampling. Autistic children aged 6-10 years with sensory processing difficulties, motor delays, and sleep disturbances will be included, excluding those with other neurological or major physical disorders. Motor skills will be assessed using the BOT-2 and sleep quality with the CSHQ. Participants will receive the Wilbarger DPPT along with routine therapies (e.g., OT, PT, ABA) three times weekly for six weeks (30-45 min/session). Data will be collected at baseline and post-intervention to assess motor and sleep improvements. Statistical analysis will be performed using SPSS v23.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Intervention group | Other | Other: Wilbarger Deep Pressure and Proprioceptive Technique (DPPT)Participants will receive the Wilbarger Deep Pressure and Proprioceptive Technique (DPPT) along with their usual therapies (OT, PT, ABA) to improve sensory processing, motor skills, and sleep in children with ASD. Sessions will be conducted in a calm setting, with explanations provided to ensure comfort. The DPPT includes 5-10 minutes of deep-pressure brushing using a soft surgical brush on the arms, back, legs, and feet, followed by 5-10 minutes of gentle joint compressions on shoulders, elbows, knees, and ankles (3-5 seconds each). Calming activities like deep breathing or quiet play will follow to aid sensory integration. The intervention will occur thrice weekly for six weeks (30-45 minutes/session). Progress will be measured using BOT-2 for motor skills and CSHQ for sleep at baseline and post-intervention. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 6 to 12 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Child
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Children diagnosed with Autism
- Both Genders Males and Females
- Age 6-11
- Autistic children diagnosed with sensory processing disorder and reported with motor skill delays and sleep disturbances.
- Children scoring within the "Definite Difference" range in sensory processing areas on the Sensory Profile 2.
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Children with other neurological or Developmental disorders
- No serious physical or behavioral impairments (blindness and deafness)
- Children with multiple diagnosis along with ASD.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Wilbarger Deep Pressure and Proprioceptive Technique (DPPT)Participants will receive the Wilbarger Deep Pressure and Proprioceptive Technique (DPPT). Each session will begin in a calm, quiet environment to reduce distractions, with the therapist explaining the process in simple terms. The brushing protocol involves using a soft surgical brush to apply firm yet gentle deep pressure to the arms, back, legs, and feet for about 5-10 minutes. This is followed by gentle joint compressions to the shoulders, elbows, knees, and ankles, each held for 3-5 seconds, lasting another 5-10 minutes. Afterward, calming activities such as deep breathing or quiet play help the child integrate the sensory input. The DPPT will be administered three times per week for six weeks, with each session lasting approximately 30-45 minutes, including brushing, joint compressions, and calming activities. | Other | Intervention group |
Primary outcome
Bruininks-Oseretsky test for Motor Proficiency (BOT-2)
Time frame: Baseline,6 weeks
The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, Second Edition (BOT-2) is an individually administered test that uses engaging, goal-directed activities to measure a wide array of motor skills in individuals ages 4 through 21. The BOT-2 uses a subtest and composite structure that highlights motor performance in the broad functional areas of stability, mobility, strength, coordination, and object manipulation.
Children Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ)
Time frame: Baseline,6 weeks
The Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) is one of the most commonly used assessment tools for pediatric sleep. It is used both in research and in the clinical field. The CSHQ is a 45-item questionnaire. Each question on the questionnaire is rated on a 3-point scale based on the frequency of occurrence within the past week. Resp Sets are categorized as ''usually'' (5-7 times within the past week), ''sometimes'' (2-4 times within the past week), or ''rarely (never of 1 time within the past week). Some items on the questionnaire are reverse-scored, ensuring that higher scores consistently indicate problem behaviors. All responses are totaled to create a Total Sleep Disturbance index (range from 33 99), with a score exceeding 41 suggesting the presence of a pediatric sleep disorder.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 25 Feb 2026.
- Background: PubMed 35747497Schoen SA, Schaaf RC, Mailloux Z, Bundy A, Lane S, May-Benson TA, Parham LD, Roley SS. Response: Commentary: Evaluating Sensory Integration/Sensory Processing Treatment: Issues and Analysis. Front Integr Neurosci. 2022 Jun 7;16:874320. doi: 10.3389/fnint.2022.874320. eCollection 2022. No abstract available.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
AIZA ZAMIR, MS-PT principal investigator
Riphah International University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Wilbarger Deep Pressure and Proprioceptive Technique (DPPT) in people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, 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 5 inclusion and 3 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: looking for participants now, 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?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact IMRAN AMJAD, PhD (9233224390125, imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Bruininks-Oseretsky test for Motor Proficiency (BOT-2) (time frame: Baseline,6 weeks). The study lists 2 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 NCT07248254, which also lists 1 linked publication.
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.