AquOTic for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Overseen By Erika Kemp, OTD

Age: < 18

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Ohio State University

Disqualifiers: Swim proficiency, Open wounds, Allergy, Severe motor impairments, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 16

Duration: 10 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a program called AquOTic, which helps children with autism learn swimming and water safety skills. The study evaluates the program's effectiveness when led by various instructors, such as professional students (occupational and physical therapy students) or community helpers (high school or college students). It also examines the resources required to run the program and its potential as a cost-effective method to prevent drowning. Children aged 5 to 9 with an autism diagnosis, who are not yet strong swimmers, may be suitable for this trial. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity for children to acquire valuable swimming skills while contributing to important research.

Do I need to stop my current medications for the AquOTic trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on swim skills and safety, so it's unlikely that medication changes are required.

What prior data suggests that the AquOTic intervention is safe for children with autism?

Research shows that the AquOTic program provides a safe and supportive environment for children with autism. The program aims to enhance water safety and swimming skills through engaging, structured activities. It combines sensory experiences, movement learning, and behavior strategies. Studies have shown it helps children feel more comfortable in the water and improve their swimming skills.

Previous studies have reported no serious safety issues. Participants generally handle the sessions well, which are tailored to meet individual needs. The program's design includes a 1:1 ratio between children and instructors, ensuring personalized attention and safety. This setup allows for quick and effective issue resolution.

Overall, evidence suggests that AquOTic is well-tolerated and focuses on each child's well-being and progress, making it a safe choice for those considering joining the program. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about AquOTic for Autism Spectrum Disorder because it offers a unique approach by integrating water-based activities with one-on-one support from interventionists. Unlike traditional therapies that often focus on behavioral and communication skills through structured settings, AquOTic leverages the therapeutic benefits of water, which can be calming and engaging for individuals with autism. Additionally, the program includes a novel aspect of utilizing community interventionists, like high school students, and professional students, such as those studying occupational or physical therapy, which could foster diverse interactions and skill development. This innovative approach has the potential to enhance social and motor skills in a fun, supportive environment, making it a promising alternative to conventional therapies.

What evidence suggests that the AquOTic intervention could be effective for improving swim skills in children with autism?

Research has shown that AquOTic, the treatment under study in this trial, helps children with autism become better and safer swimmers. In one study, children reached 66% or more of their personal swimming goals in just 10 weeks. Another study found that similar water programs improved both swimming skills and social behaviors in children with autism. These results suggest that AquOTic effectively teaches important swimming skills and boosts confidence in the water for autistic children. Participants in this trial will receive the AquOTic intervention with either community interventionists or professional student interventionists, or they will be part of a control group engaging in usual and customary water exposure. ^{1 2 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder to improve their water competency and swim safety skills. They will participate in a 10-week program led by occupational therapists or trained community members.

Inclusion Criteria

Interventionists must demonstrate swim proficiency, as defined by the ability to tread water for 1 minute and move the body through the water without flotation for 25 yards

My child has been diagnosed with autism.

I am between 5 and 9 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

Interventionists who failed background check

Interventionists with open wounds or infectious diseases

My child can swim well.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants engage in a 10-week AquOTic intervention program with weekly 60-minute group sessions

10 weeks

10 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for water competency and swim skills at multiple time points post-intervention

12 months

Assessments at baseline, immediately post-AquOTic, 6 months, and 12 months after termination

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• AquOTic

Trial Overview The AquOTic intervention, which includes weekly sessions designed to enhance swimming abilities and safety in the water for autistic children, is being tested against no intervention. The study also compares outcomes based on who delivers the training.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: AquOTic with Professional Student Interventionist Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants in this arm will participate in the 10-week AquOTic intervention with their one to one interventionists being professional students (OT/PT students currently enrolled at OSU).

Group II: AquOTic with Community Interventionists Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants in this arm will participate in the 10-week AquOTic intervention with their one to one interventionists being community interventionists (high school or undergraduate students in the community).

Group III: Control Group Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants will NOT receive AquOTic intervention and will engage in usual and customary water exposure.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Ohio State University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

891

Recruited

2,659,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11491375/

Improving water competency among children on the autism ... Our results show that AquOTic results in significant improvements in elements of water competency and safety among children on the autism ...

2. research.aota.org research.aota.org/ajot/article/75/Supplement_2/7512515318p1/12774/Effectiveness-of-Aquatic-OT-for-Children-With

Effectiveness of Aquatic OT for Children With Autism Spectrum ... Results show that at the end of 10 weeks, all eight child participants met 66% or more of their individualized goals; each child had three to ...

3. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05524753

Active Ingredients & Efficacy of Aquatic Therapy for Autistic ... In this study, we will use a randomized control trial design to identify the efficacy of the AquOTic intervention to improve swim performance in children with ...

4. link.springer.com link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40489-024-00464-z

Aquatic Interventions to Improve Motor and Social ... This systematic review investigated the characteristics and effects of aquatic interventions on motor and social skills in children with ASD.

5. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1750946710001248

The efficacy of an aquatic program on physical fitness and ... Children with ASD in this study (Pan, 2010) showed improved aquatic skills and social behaviors after 10-week water exercise swimming program. In addition, the ...

6. research.aota.org research.aota.org/ajot/article/78/6/7806205050/25973/Water-Competency-and-Sensory-Processing-Among

Water Competency and Sensory Processing Among Children ... This study examined water competency, including swim safety skills, among children on the autism spectrum.

7. scholarworks.bgsu.edu scholarworks.bgsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1586&context=ijare

Water Orientation Skills and Basic Safety and Swimming ... The current study examined water orientation (i.e., comfort level), water safety, and beginning swimming skills of individuals with ASD of ages.

8. trial.medpath.com trial.medpath.com/clinical-trial/8fb7241e6192b171/nct05524753-active-ingredients-efficacy-aquotic

Active Ingredients & Efficacy of Aquatic Therapy for Autistic ... The AquOTic program uses a combination of sensory, motor learning, and behavioral approaches to improve water safety and swim skills. In this study, we will use ...