Video games may boost balance in kids with autism
NCT ID NCT06023563
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether playing virtual reality games (like Nintendo Switch Sports) could improve balance and walking in young people with autism, compared to standard physical therapy exercises. Thirteen participants aged 7-22 did six sessions over two weeks at home via Zoom. Researchers measured their balance and walking before, after, and one month later.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Virtual reality active video gaming (Nintendo Switch Sports)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a fun, home-based way to improve balance and walking in youth with autism.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early study with only 13 participants. Results may not apply to everyone, and the effect may be small or temporary.
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
-
13 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
May 2023
- Finished
-
Apr 2024
- Lead sponsor
-
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
-
7 to 22 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
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 7-22 years, * existing ASD DSM-5 level 1 or 2 diagnosis confirmed by medical record/ educational services categorized under ASD/ therapeutic services categorized under ASD/ any other official document indicating the diagnosis of ASD, * able to follow instructions and * able to stand unsupported for at least 20 minutes. Exclusion Criteria: * epilepsy or other medical conditions which can be exacerbated by looking at a screen, * Uncorrected vision loss or any other eye condition prohibiting looking at the screen for a prolong time, * co-occurring musculoskeletal conditions such as joint or muscle pain or stiffness that limits mobility, implanted plates, pins, or screws that limit mobility, fractures or recent surgeries or any other physical condition that could interfere with the ability to play an active video game * co-occurring neurological conditions such as numbness or muscle weakness, temporary loss of vision, speech or strength, loss of consciousness (black out), Dizziness or lightheadedness, Impaired memory or confusion, any other cooccurring diagnosis that could be negatively impacted by playing an active video game * any other health conditions that are contraindicated to or may interfere with physical activity such as impaired hearing (uncorrected), medically documented balance disorder, Any heart condition prohibiting exercise, chronic pain or any pain at the time of testing, need assistance to stand for 20 minutes or more, * aggression or other severe behaviors that may limit the ability to safely participate in the intervention.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Autism spectrum disorder are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
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
-
Indiana University Bloomington
Bloomington, Indiana, 47405, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Gut bacteria may hold clues to dozens of diseases
- Can a tailored therapy ease anxiety and depression in autistic teens?
- Can coaching school staff raise the quality of autism programs?
- Can wireless monitors make ER vitals easier for autistic children?
- Why do some children with autism struggle with balance?
- Brain zaps tested to calm emotional storms in autism