Physiotherapy shows promise for easing anxiety in kids with autism and ADHD
NCT ID NCT07231354
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether a structured physiotherapy program—including breathing exercises, balance training, and relaxation techniques—could reduce stress, anxiety, and depression in 117 children aged 6 to 18 with autism or ADHD. Participants were randomly assigned to either the physiotherapy group or usual care. The goal was to see if this drug-free approach could improve emotional well-being and behavior.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- structured physiotherapy program
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a non-drug way to help children with ASD or ADHD feel less stressed, anxious, or depressed.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, completed trial, so results may not apply to all children. The program may not work for everyone, and benefits might be modest.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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117 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jun 2022
- Finished
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Jul 2023
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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6 to 18 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) by a qualified clinician. * Age between 6 and 18 years. * Ability to participate in structured physiotherapy sessions. * Stable medication regimen (if applicable) for at least 4 weeks prior to study entry. * Parent/guardian consent and child assent (where applicable). * Ability of parents/guardians to comply with study procedures and assessments. Exclusion Criteria: * Severe intellectual disability that prevents participation in physiotherapy activities. * Uncontrolled epilepsy or other neurological disorders that pose safety risks. * Severe sensory or motor impairments preventing safe exercise participation. * Participation in another clinical study within the last 3 months. * Any acute medical condition deemed unsafe for physical activity. * Behavioral issues that prevent structured participation (e.g., aggressive behavior).
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Hippokratio General Hospital of Thessaloniki - Child Psychiatry Department
Thessaloniki, 546 42, Greece
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