How Trunk Control Links Autism Severity to Functional Exercise Capacity in Children With ASD

The goal of this observational study is to learn if trunk control (the ability to balance and stabilize the upper body while sitting or moving) links autism severity to functional exercise capacity in children aged 4-12 years with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does trunk control explain why children with more severe ASD have lower functional exercise capacity? 2. Do trunk control and functional exercise capacity differ across ASD severity levels (Level 1, 2, and 3)? Participants will complete two assessments in a single 30-40 minute session during their routine clinic visit: 1. A trunk control test, where a trained physiotherapist observes seated balance and movement. 2. A 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), where the child moves along a flat hospital corridor for 6 minutes and the total distance covered is recorded as a measure of functional exercise capacity. No treatment or intervention is involved. All assessments are safe, non-invasive, and conducted at a tertiary care children's hospital in Pakistan.

NCT Number	NCT07634107
Lead Sponsor	Dr. Mehak Naeem
Conditions	Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Enrollment	200 participants
Start Date	2026-06
Primary Completion	2026-07 (estimated)
Study Completion	2026-07 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-06-10