Ignite Creation Date:
2025-12-24 @ 10:00 PM
Ignite Modification Date:
2026-01-01 @ 2:34 PM
Study NCT ID:
NCT05846932
Status:
COMPLETED
Last Update Posted:
2025-12-17
First Post:
2023-04-07
Is NOT Gene Therapy:
True
Has Adverse Events:
False
Brief Title:
Preliminary Efficacy of Occupational Therapy Integrating Horses on Self-regulation in Youth With Autism
Sponsor:
Colorado State University
Organization:
Study Overview
Official Title:
Preliminary Efficacy of Occupational Therapy Integrating Horses on Self-regulation in Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Status:
COMPLETED
Status Verified Date:
2025-12
Last Known Status:
None
Delayed Posting:
No
If Stopped, Why?:
Not Stopped
Has Expanded Access:
False
If Expanded Access, NCT#:
N/A
Has Expanded Access, NCT# Status:
N/A
Acronym:
None
Brief Summary:
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn about occupational therapy integrating horses for autistic youth. The main questions it aims to answer are:
* Does occupational therapy integrating horses improve self-regulation in autistic youth
* Does occupational therapy integrating horses affect salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase
Participants will receive 10 weeks of occupational therapy, and will be asked to provide saliva samples each week.
Researchers will compare occupational therapy integrating horses to occupational therapy in a clinic to see if integrating horses affects self-regulation.
* Does occupational therapy integrating horses improve self-regulation in autistic youth
* Does occupational therapy integrating horses affect salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase
Participants will receive 10 weeks of occupational therapy, and will be asked to provide saliva samples each week.
Researchers will compare occupational therapy integrating horses to occupational therapy in a clinic to see if integrating horses affects self-regulation.
Detailed Description:
The goal of this project is to quantify the unique benefits of integrating horses in occupational therapy compared to occupational therapy in a clinic (i.e., OTEE HORS vs. OT Clinic) for improving self-regulation in youth with ASD.
To address both aims we will randomize 64 youth with ASD ages 6-11 years old to OTEE HORS or OT clinic.
Specific Aim 1: Examine the preliminary efficacy of OTEE HORS compared to OT Clinic on self-regulation. Hypotheses: The OTEE HORS group will demonstrate significantly larger improvements than the OT Clinic group in five domains of self-regulation (hyperactivity \[primary\], irritability, emotional reactivity, dysphoria, and individual goal attainment).
Specific Aim 2: Identify potential physiological mechanisms that explain how integration of horses in occupational therapy impacts self-regulation in youth with ASD. Hypotheses 2A \& B: The OTEE HORS group will demonstrate significantly larger decreases in salivary cortisol after each 60-minute therapy session and after the 10-week treatment course in comparison to the OT Clinic group. Hypotheses 2C \& 2D: The OTEE HORS group will demonstrate significantly greater increases in salivary alpha-amylase after each 60-minute therapy session, and significantly greater decreases in salivary alpha-amylase over time as measured after the 10-week treatment course in comparison to the OT Clinic group. Exploratory Hypothesis 2E: Changes in physiological measures will significantly correlate with changes in Aim 1 behavioral measures.
To address both aims we will randomize 64 youth with ASD ages 6-11 years old to OTEE HORS or OT clinic.
Specific Aim 1: Examine the preliminary efficacy of OTEE HORS compared to OT Clinic on self-regulation. Hypotheses: The OTEE HORS group will demonstrate significantly larger improvements than the OT Clinic group in five domains of self-regulation (hyperactivity \[primary\], irritability, emotional reactivity, dysphoria, and individual goal attainment).
Specific Aim 2: Identify potential physiological mechanisms that explain how integration of horses in occupational therapy impacts self-regulation in youth with ASD. Hypotheses 2A \& B: The OTEE HORS group will demonstrate significantly larger decreases in salivary cortisol after each 60-minute therapy session and after the 10-week treatment course in comparison to the OT Clinic group. Hypotheses 2C \& 2D: The OTEE HORS group will demonstrate significantly greater increases in salivary alpha-amylase after each 60-minute therapy session, and significantly greater decreases in salivary alpha-amylase over time as measured after the 10-week treatment course in comparison to the OT Clinic group. Exploratory Hypothesis 2E: Changes in physiological measures will significantly correlate with changes in Aim 1 behavioral measures.
Study Oversight
Has Oversight DMC:
True
Is a FDA Regulated Drug?:
False
Is a FDA Regulated Device?:
False
Is an Unapproved Device?:
None
Is a PPSD?:
None
Is a US Export?:
None
Is an FDA AA801 Violation?:
Secondary ID Infos
| Secondary ID | Type | Domain | Link | View |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1R21HD109957-01 | NIH | None | https://reporter.nih.gov/quic… | View |