Effects Of DPPT On Motor Skills And Sleep In Children With Autism

Riphah International University

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Autism Spectrum Disorder

Treatments: Other: Wilbarger Deep Pressure and Proprioceptive Technique (DPPT)

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07248254

REC/RCR&AHS/AIZAZAMIR

Details and patient eligibility

About

It will be conducted as a Quasi Experimental study across pediatric therapy centers, specialized autism clinics, and special schools. Using non-probability convenience sampling, the study will enroll Autistic children aged 6-10 years who exhibit sensory processing difficulties, motor skill delays, and sleep disturbances. Exclusion criteria include other neurological or developmental disorders and children with major physical problems. Motor skills will be assessed with the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2), and sleep quality will be measured using the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ).

Participants will be receiving Wilbarger DPPT along with their usual therapy sessions, which may include general occupational therapy, physical therapy, ABA etc. The DPPT intervention will occur three times per week for six weeks, with each session lasting approximately 30-45 minutes, including brushing, joint compressions, and calming activities. Data will be collected at baseline and post-intervention, focusing on motor skill improvement and sleep quality changes. SPSS version 23 will be used for statistical analysis.

Full description

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) frequently experience sensory processing difficulties, where they may either overreact or underreact to sensory stimuli in their environment. This sensory deregulation can significantly impact essential functions, including motor skills and sleep quality, both0 crucial for overall development and day-to day engagement. Sensory Integration Therapy (SIT), is a well-established approach used to help individuals with sensory processing challenges. Ayres' work emphasized that when the brain effectively organizes sensory input, it can foster better behavioral and motor responses, leading to improved participation in daily activities. Various sensory-based interventions have been developed, including Wilbarger Deep Pressure and Proprioceptive Technique (DPPT). The Wilbarger protocol, or DPPT, is a specific approach using firm pressure and joint compressions at regular intervals, aiming to create a calming, organizing effect on the nervous system. The "brushing" aspect of this technique involves using a soft surgical brush over the skin to stimulate sensory receptors, followed by compressions to the joints, which is thought to help regulate sensory input and reduce sensory defensiveness. This study aims to assess the impact of DPPT on motor skills and sleep patterns in children with ASD, exploring whether DPPT can enhance functional motor skills and improve sleep quality.

It will be conducted as a Quasi Experimental study across pediatric therapy centers, specialized autism clinics, and special schools. Using non-probability convenience sampling, the study will enroll Autistic children aged 6-10 years who exhibit sensory processing difficulties, motor skill delays, and sleep disturbances. Exclusion criteria include other neurological or developmental disorders and children with major physical problems. Motor skills will be assessed with the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2), and sleep quality will be measured using the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ).

Participants will be receiving Wilbarger DPPT along with their usual therapy sessions, which may include general occupational therapy, physical therapy, ABA etc. The DPPT intervention will occur three times per week for six weeks, with each session lasting approximately 30-45 minutes, including brushing, joint compressions, and calming activities. Data will be collected at baseline and post-intervention, focusing on motor skill improvement and sleep quality changes. SPSS version 23 will be used for statistical analysis.

Enrollment: 40 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 6 to 12 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Children diagnosed with Autism
• Both Genders Males and Females
• Age 6-11
• Autistic children diagnosed with sensory processing disorder and reported with motor skill delays and sleep disturbances.
• Children scoring within the "Definite Difference" range in sensory processing areas on the Sensory Profile 2.

Exclusion criteria

• Children with other neurological or Developmental disorders
• No serious physical or behavioral impairments (blindness and deafness)
• Children with multiple diagnosis along with ASD.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Other

Allocation: N/A

Interventional model: Single Group Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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40 participants in 1 patient group

Intervention group

Other group

Description:

Participants will receive the Wilbarger Deep Pressure and Proprioceptive Technique (DPPT) along with their usual therapies (OT, PT, ABA) to improve sensory processing, motor skills, and sleep in children with ASD. Sessions will be conducted in a calm setting, with explanations provided to ensure comfort. The DPPT includes 5-10 minutes of deep-pressure brushing using a soft surgical brush on the arms, back, legs, and feet, followed by 5-10 minutes of gentle joint compressions on shoulders, elbows, knees, and ankles (3-5 seconds each). Calming activities like deep breathing or quiet play will follow to aid sensory integration. The intervention will occur thrice weekly for six weeks (30-45 minutes/session). Progress will be measured using BOT-2 for motor skills and CSHQ for sleep at baseline and post-intervention.

Treatment:

Other: Wilbarger Deep Pressure and Proprioceptive Technique (DPPT)