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Sensory-Friendly Physical Activity for Sleep in Autistic Children
Sponsor: Xili Wen
Summary
Sleep problems are very common in children on the autism spectrum and can worsen daytime behaviour, learning, and family stress. Many families have limited access to specialist sleep services. This study evaluates a school-based, sensory-friendly physical activity program designed to improve sleep and wellbeing in autistic children. This multicenter, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial was conducted in special education schools in China. Classrooms of children aged 7-12 years with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder were randomly assigned to either: (1) a teacher-led, sensory-friendly physical activity program integrated into regular physical education lessons for 16 weeks, or (2) usual school activities without the program. The intervention emphasized predictable routines, gradual warm-up, adjusted sensory input (for example, noise and light), and calming cool-down activities to support self-regulation and readiness for sleep. The primary outcomes are children's sleep parameters measured by wrist actigraphy, including sleep efficiency, sleep onset latency, sleep duration, and wake after sleep onset. Secondary outcomes include parent-reported sleep problems, children's daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, and caregivers' sleep quality, mental health, parenting sense of competence, and quality of life. Outcomes are assessed at baseline, immediately after the 16-week program, and 6 months after the program ends.
Official title: Sensory-friendly Physical Activity and Sleep in Autistic Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
7 Years - 12 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
106
Start Date
2023-06-01
Completion Date
2025-01-31
Last Updated
2026-07-28
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Sensory-Friendly Physical Activity Program (PAP)
A structured, teacher-led physical activity program designed to be sensory-friendly for autistic children. Delivered in special education schools during scheduled physical education lessons, 3 sessions per week for 16 weeks. Each session includes predictable routines, warm-up, moderate-to-vigorous activities adapted for motor and sensory needs, and a cool-down with breathing and relaxation to support self-regulation and sleep readiness.
Conventional control group
Children follow the usual daily schedule
Locations (1)
Shanghai University of Sport, School of Physical Education and Training
Shanghai, China