SPARK Exercise Program and Game-based Training in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

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.

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

Inclusion Criteria:

• 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)

Exclusion Criteria:

• 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.