FMS-CrossFit Training Program (FCTP) to Improve School Readiness in Preschool Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

FCTP program: Each session consists of three parts: warm up (5 minutes), basic motor skills training (25 minutes) and cool-down with stretching (5 minutes). The program combines physical, social, linguistic and communication skills training aspects, and can be divided into three phases (about 2 to 4 weeks for each phase) to achieve different targets. Stage 1: Basic Motor Skills Learning Stages: This stage primarily focuses on low-intensity activities over a period of 1 to 3 weeks. Stage 2: Basic Motor Skills Proficiency Stage: This stage is characterized by low to moderate intensity and typically lasts for 4 to 7 weeks. Stage 3: Basic Motor Skills Enhancement stage: This stage is conducted at a moderate intensity and focuses on the intensive development of motor skills over a period from 8 to 12 weeks.

treatment as usual (TAU) (Control Group): The control group receives treatment as usual (TAU), allowing participants to engage in routine services of their choice, including sensory integration therapy, social skills training, language intervention, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), etc.

Study summary

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an increasing public health concern, with preschool children often exhibiting persistent deficits in school readiness. However, targeted and developmentally comprehensive interventions remain limited. This randomized controlled trial will evaluate a 12-week Fundamental Movement Skills-CrossFit Training Program (FCTP) in 184 children with ASD aged 3-6 years, compared with a Treatment As Usual (TAU) control group. The program integrates progressive FMS training with CrossFit-style circuit training to improve motor competence, social interaction, and self-regulation. Primary outcomes focus on school readiness assessed by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), while secondary outcomes include motor development, executive function, social responsiveness, and biomarkers. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, mid-intervention (8 weeks), post-intervention (12 weeks), and follow-up (20 weeks).

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• School readiness — baseline, 8 weeks post-baseline, post-intervention (12 weeks), follow-up (20 weeks)
  The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was used to assess school readiness. The Total Difficulties Score ranges from 0 to 40, with higher scores indicating more severe difficulties in the child.
• Gross Motor Development — baseline, post-intervention (12 weeks)
  The Test of Gross Motor Development - 3rd edition (TGMD-3) is a measure of fundamental motor skills.

Trial sites (1)

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