Exercise boosts fitness in kids with autism, study finds
NCT ID NCT07068659
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looked at whether circuit aerobic training (like walking and stepping) or circuit resistance training (like hand grip exercises) can improve heart and lung fitness in children with autism aged 7 to 17. Thirty-two children took part, and researchers measured their breathing, walking distance, and blood pressure. The goal is to find which type of exercise works best for this group.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- circuit aerobic training and circuit resistance training
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could show that structured exercise programs improve heart and lung fitness in children with autism, offering a simple way to boost their physical health.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, completed trial with only 32 participants, so results may not apply to all children with autism. Exercise programs also require consistent participation to see benefits.
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
-
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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32 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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May 2025
- Finished
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Dec 2025
- 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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7 to 17 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: * Age 7-17 * Diagnosed Autistic (ASD) Children with 2 gold standard test Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised . * Vineland scale-II completed by parents that assessed three dimensions of adaptive daily behaviors (communication, daily living skills and socialization), and children with average score between 85-115 out of total score 20-160 will be selected Exclusion Criteria: * Contra-indication against physical exercise (e.g., cardiovascular disease or cardiac insufficiency that might alter heart rate (HR) response) * Psychiatric disorders or comorbid medical (e.g., no epilepsy) * Severe osteo-articular pathology * Respiratory disorders (e.g., asthma) * Medical treatment that may alter the metabolic response * Cognitive disabilities (IQ \< 70)
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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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Riphah Rehabilitation Clinic
Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000, Pakistan
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