Autism Spectrum DisorderNCT07579000
SPARK Exercise Program and Game-based Training in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
A study testing Structured Sports, Play, and Active Recreation for Kids Exercise program (SPARK) and Game-based Training in people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 5 to 12 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- What is being tested?
- Structured Sports, Play, and Active Recreation for Kids Exercise program (SPARK) and Game-based Training
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 22 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 28 Oct 2025to 2 Jul 2026
- 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 5 to 12 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Child
Who may be able to join
- 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)
Who cannot join
- 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.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official 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
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.
Read the detailed description
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
- Conditions
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Being tested
- Structured Sports, Play, and Active Recreation for Kids Exercise program (SPARK), Game-based Training
- Keywords
- SPARK, Game-based training, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Motor Skills, Social interaction.
- Medical subject headings
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Structured Sports, Play, and Active Recreation for Kids Exercise program (SPARK)Other
Also called SPARK
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.
Game-based TrainingOther
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
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Group A: Structured Sports, Play, and Active Recreation for Kids Exercise program (SPARK) | Experimental | The SPARK intervention includes 36 sessions (3x/week, 40 min/session). Each session has: 10-min warm-up (scramble activity: prone lying → quadruped → quick stand with bent knees → jumping), 20-min main treatment (heavy fitness: aerobic dance, running, jump ropes for endurance \& strength; skill fitness: basketball, football, kickball), and 10-min cool-down (deep breathing) Receives: Other: Structured Sports, Play, and Active Recreation for Kids Exercise program (SPARK) |
| Group B: Game-Based Training. | Experimental | Game-based training: 32 sessions (2x/week, 33 min/session). Each session has three 11-minute segments: warm-up (walking on toes/heels, jogging, running between cones), agility (running over 4 hurdles plus cones, rings, ladder), and agility with skill (catching football, zig-zag through rings, throwing at target, stacking cups). Three circuits per session in small groups Receives: Other: Game-based Training |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2)
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.
Measured: 1 months
Autism social skills profile ASSP
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
Measured: 1 months
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted11 May 2026
- Study start28 Oct 2025
- Primary completion2 Jun 2026
- Study completion2 Jul 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Autism Spectrum DisorderStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- 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
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- 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.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 22 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Maham Bashir, MS PT, Principal investigator, Riphah International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07579000
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- REC/RCR&AHS/25/0712
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 5 May 2026
- Last updated
- 30 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 30 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official 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
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07579000
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- REC/RCR&AHS/25/0712
- Conditions
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Keywords
- SPARK, Game-based training, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Motor Skills, Social interaction.
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 22 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 28 Oct 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 2 Jun 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 2 Jul 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 11 May 2026 (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.
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.
Detailed description
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
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- 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.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Group A: Structured Sports, Play, and Active Recreation for Kids Exercise program (SPARK) | Experimental | Other: Structured Sports, Play, and Active Recreation for Kids Exercise program (SPARK)The SPARK intervention includes 36 sessions (3x/week, 40 min/session). Each session has: 10-min warm-up (scramble activity: prone lying → quadruped → quick stand with bent knees → jumping), 20-min main treatment (heavy fitness: aerobic dance, running, jump ropes for endurance \& strength; skill fitness: basketball, football, kickball), and 10-min cool-down (deep breathing) |
| Group B: Game-Based Training. | Experimental | Other: Game-based TrainingGame-based training: 32 sessions (2x/week, 33 min/session). Each session has three 11-minute segments: warm-up (walking on toes/heels, jogging, running between cones), agility (running over 4 hurdles plus cones, rings, ladder), and agility with skill (catching football, zig-zag through rings, throwing at target, stacking cups). Three circuits per session in small groups |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 5 to 12 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Child
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- 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)
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- 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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Structured Sports, Play, and Active Recreation for Kids Exercise program (SPARK)Also: SPARKThe 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 | Group A: Structured Sports, Play, and Active Recreation for Kids Exercise program (SPARK) |
| Game-based TrainingThe 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 | Other | Group B: Game-Based Training. |
Primary outcome
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.
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
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 30 Sep 2026.
- 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. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Maham Bashir, 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 Structured Sports, Play, and Active Recreation for Kids Exercise program (SPARK) and Game-based Training 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 3 inclusion and 4 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 30 Sep 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?
Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2) (time frame: 1 months). 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?
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 30 Sep 2026.