Motor Synchrony Games for Autism Spectrum Disorder

(MSG Trial)

Age: < 18

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Appalachian State University

Disqualifiers: Motor disorder, Hearing impairment, Vision impairment

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if playing motor synchrony games, which involve increasingly challenging playground activities, can improve executive function (skills for managing thoughts and actions) in preschoolers with autism. Researchers will observe how children respond to the games, introduced at different times for different groups. Suitable participants should be in a preschool class, able to say at least one word, and able to run independently. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity for children to potentially enhance their skills through innovative play activities.

Do I need to stop my child's current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether your child needs to stop taking current medications.

What prior data suggests that these motor synchrony games are safe for preschool-aged children?

Research has shown that motor synchrony games are generally safe for children, including those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Studies on similar activities have found them to be well-tolerated. For instance, physical activity programs have improved motor skills in children with ASD, indicating that these games are beneficial and do not cause harm.

In related research, games like "Defeat the Monster" have been used with children with ASD without any significant negative effects. These games aim to enhance motor skills and engagement, which are important for children with ASD.

Overall, evidence suggests that motor synchrony games are a safe and promising way to improve motor skills and engagement in children with ASD. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about Motor Synchrony Games for Autism Spectrum Disorder because they offer a novel approach focusing on enhancing motor coordination and social interaction through play. Unlike traditional therapies that may involve medication or behavioral interventions, these games are interactive and engaging, making them an appealing option for children. The emphasis on synchronizing movements with others can help improve communication skills and social awareness, which are often challenging areas for individuals with autism. By integrating fun and therapy, this method has the potential to make significant, positive impacts on the quality of life for those on the autism spectrum.

What evidence suggests that motor synchrony games might be an effective treatment for autism?

This trial will evaluate the effectiveness of Motor Synchrony Games for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Research has shown that activities aimed at enhancing motor skills and physical activity can help children with ASD develop better motor skills. These activities can also boost their cognitive abilities and social interactions. One study found that after 12 weeks, children demonstrated improved thinking skills and fewer repetitive behaviors. Play-based activities have also improved their coordination, running speed, and strength. While the main goal is to enhance motor skills, these activities appear to offer additional benefits for young children with ASD. ^{5 6 7 8 9}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for preschool-aged children who are healthy or have Autism Spectrum Disorder. It aims to see if certain playground games can help with their self-control and decision-making skills.

Inclusion Criteria

Must be enrolled in the preschool classroom

Must express at least one word

Must run independently

Exclusion Criteria

Known motor disorder

Hearing or vision disorder that cannot be corrected

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Baseline

Participants undergo baseline procedures twice a week for 6, 9, or 12 sessions, including post-hurricane Helene sessions for the 12-session group

3-6 weeks

Twice weekly sessions

Intervention

Participants engage in intervention sessions involving rhythm and motor games designed for synchronous movement

Approximately 12 weeks

Twice weekly sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after intervention completion

2 months

Assessment at 2 months follow-up

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Motor Synchrony Games

Trial Overview The study tests whether motor synchrony games, which are structured and increasingly challenging playground activities, can enhance executive function in young kids.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Third cohort Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

These participants enter the intervention after 12 baseline sessions (and 3 sessions post-hurricane Helene)

Group II: Second cohort Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

These participants enter the intervention after 9 baseline sessions

Group III: First cohort Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

These participants begin the intervention after 6 sessions

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Appalachian State University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

46

Recruited

2,600+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11899540/

Effects of Motor Skills and Physical Activity Interventions on ... Many studies have confirmed that motor skills and physical activity interventions can improve motor development in ASD individuals and ultimately improve their ...

2. tandfonline.com tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01942638.2025.2498357

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Motor ... Results demonstrated that in older children, motor interventions were less effective at improving the core social and communication characteristics of autism. ...

3. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/pediatrics/articles/10.3389/fped.2025.1683930/full

Cognitive, social, and behavioral effects of music and ... After 12 weeks, the experimental groups showed significant improvements in both stereotypical behaviors (p < 0.001) and cognitive functions (p < ...

4. digitalcommons.lib.uconn.edu digitalcommons.lib.uconn.edu/srhonors_theses/842/

"The Effectiveness of Play-Based Interventions Delivered Face ... Results: Results showed significant improvements in the bilateral coordination (p < 0.001), running speed (p = 0.018) and strength (p = 0.003) ...

5. nature.com nature.com/articles/s41598-025-05393-3

The impact of sensory integration based sports training on ... This study evaluated the effects of a 12-week sensory integration-based sports training program on motor and social outcomes in children with ASD.

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9894569/

Gross Motor Impairment and Its Relation to Social Skills in ... A rapidly growing literature on motor development in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) indicates that autistic individuals exhibit impairment in gross motor skills ...

7. nature.com nature.com/articles/s41597-024-03132-3

Engagnition: A multi-dimensional dataset for engagement ... This study proposes Engagnition, a dataset for engagement recognition of children with ASD (N = 57) using a serious game, “Defeat the Monster,”

8. tandfonline.com tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/20473869.2025.2452868?af=R

Effect of physical activity on motor disorders in children with ... Overall, this study suggests that PA has a positive effect on MD in children with ASD, particularly in the area of gross motor skills. However, due to the high ...

9. mdpi.com mdpi.com/2073-8994/13/6/1034

The Association among Autistic Traits, Interactional ... They revealed that individuals with ASD display shorter duration of synchrony and that they have reduced interactional synchrony. Moreover, they found that ...