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This study investigates whether a structured physiotherapy program can help reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression in children and adolescents diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ASD and ADHD are neurodevelopmental conditions often associated with emotional and behavioral challenges, including elevated levels of psychological distress.
The physiotherapy intervention includes techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing, acupressure, relaxation exercises, proprioceptive activities, and therapeutic positions designed to support emotional regulation. Children aged 6-18 years are randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving the physiotherapy program or a control group receiving usual care.
The purpose of the study is to evaluate whether this physiotherapy protocol can positively influence emotional well-being and behavioral indicators related to ASD and ADHD. Outcomes are assessed using validated questionnaires measuring stress, anxiety, depression, and disorder-related behavioral characteristics before and after the intervention.
This study examines the implementation of a structured physiotherapy program designed for children and adolescents diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The intervention includes breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, proprioceptive activities, and therapeutic postures aimed at supporting emotional regulation and reducing psychological distress.
Participants aged 6 to 18 years are randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving the physiotherapy program or a control group receiving usual care. Standardized assessment tools are used to measure stress, anxiety, depression, and behavioral characteristics related to ASD and ADHD. The study follows a parallel-group randomized design and aims to evaluate the feasibility and potential therapeutic impact of physiotherapy-based approaches in this population.
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| Label | Type | Description | Intervention Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physiotherapy Intervention Group | Experimental | Participants receive a structured physiotherapy program designed to improve emotional regulation, reduce anxiety symptoms, and enhance overall mental health. The program includes sensorimotor exercises, coordination training, postural activities, and structured physical activity tailored to children and adolescents with ASD or ADHD. |
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| Comparator Group | No Intervention | Participants do not receive physiotherapy during the study period but continue their usual daily routines. After study completion, they are offered the physiotherapy program. |
| Name | Type | Description | Arm Group Labels | Other Names |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structured Physiotherapy Program | Behavioral | A structured multimodal physiotherapy program including sensorimotor integration exercises, balance and coordination training, postural control activities, therapeutic physical activity, breathing regulation techniques, and proprioceptive stimulation. The intervention is tailored to children and adolescents with ASD or ADHD and aims to improve emotional regulation, reduce anxiety, enhance behavioral self-control, and promote overall mental health. |
| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Stress Levels (DASS-21 Stress Subscale) | Stress levels assessed using the DASS-21 Stress Subscale (score range 0-42). Higher scores indicate higher stress. The outcome will be analyzed as the change in score from baseline to post-intervention. | Baseline and post-intervention (after 10 sessions - approximately 5 weeks) |
| Change in Anxiety Levels (DASS-21 Anxiety Subscale) | Stress/anxiety levels assessed using the DASS-21 Anxiety Subscale (score range 0-42). Higher scores indicate greater anxiety symptoms. The outcome will be analyzed as the change in score from baseline to post-intervention. | Baseline and post-intervention (after 10 sessions - approximately 5 weeks) |
| Change in Depression Levels (DASS-21 Depression Subscale) | Depression levels assessed using the DASS-21 Depression Subscale (score range 0-42). Higher scores indicate higher depressive symptoms. The outcome will be analyzed as the change in score from baseline to post-intervention. | Baseline and post-intervention (after 10 sessions - approximately 5 weeks) |
| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Autism-Related Behavioral Indicators (CAST Score) | Assessment of autism-related behavioral characteristics using the CAST questionnaire (score range depends on the Greek validated version). Higher scores indicate greater autism-related behavioral traits. Outcome analyzed as the change in CAST score from baseline to post-intervention. | Baseline and post-intervention (after 10 sessions - approximately 5 weeks) |
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Inclusion Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria:
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| Name | Affiliation | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Illias Kallistratos | International Hellenic University | Principal Investigator |
| Facility | Status | City | State | ZIP | Country | Contacts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hippokratio General Hospital of Thessaloniki - Child Psychiatry Department | Thessaloniki | 546 42 | Greece |
Participant-level data will not be shared in order to protect confidentiality, as the dataset includes sensitive information from children and adolescents
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| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D000067877 | Autism Spectrum Disorder |
| D001289 | Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity |
| D065886 | Neurodevelopmental Disorders |
| D000092862 | Psychological Well-Being |
| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D002659 | Child Development Disorders, Pervasive |
| D001523 | Mental Disorders |
| D019958 | Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders |
| D010549 | Personal Satisfaction |
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Two-arm parallel-group randomized controlled design.
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The outcomes assessor was blinded to group assignment to minimize assessment bias.
|
| Change in ADHD-Related Behavioral Indicators (ADHD Parent Questionnaire Score) | Assessment of ADHD-related behaviors using the ADHD Parent Questionnaire. Higher scores indicate more severe ADHD-related symptoms. Outcome analyzed as the change in score from baseline to post-intervention. | Baseline and post-intervention (after 10 sessions - approximately 5 weeks) |
| D001519 | Behavior |