Swimming or stretching? study tests best exercise for kids with autism

NCT ID NCT05123066

First seen Jan 11, 2026 · Last updated Jun 23, 2026 · Updated 25 times

Summary

This study looked at whether aquatic (water) training or land exercises better improve motor function in children with autism. 40 children aged 3 to 5 with mild to moderate autism took part. The water group did floating, standing, and walking exercises with safety aids, while the land group did standard physical therapy. Researchers measured changes in autism severity, motor development, and quality of life.

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This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Eman S Albadry

    Giza, Giza Governorate, 12662, Egypt

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Aquatic exercises and land exercises

What this could lead to

If successful, this could show that water-based exercise is a helpful option for improving motor skills in young children with autism.

What could go wrong

This is a small, completed trial with only 40 participants, so results may not apply to all children. The exercises are not a treatment for autism itself.

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

autism spectrum disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.