Achilles Tendon and Ankle Characterization in Adults With Autism
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- This is an observational study: the protocol does not assign a study treatment.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Autism Disorder. Basic parameters: 18 years — 40 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Center list to be confirmed — check the primary protocol.
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
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Overview
This study aims to identify ankle structural and functional profiles associated with sensory responsiveness and toe walking in adults with ASD. Expected outcomes include detecting group differences between adults with ASD and matched controls and identifying associations among sensory responsiveness, toe-walking status, and objective ankle measures.
Detailed description
This study aims to examine ankle musculoskeletal characteristics in adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
A cross-sectional, community-based comparative study will enroll 80 adults aged 18-40, including 40 adults with ASD recruited in partnership with a supported residential community and 40 age- and sex-matched controls. Participants will complete a single assessment session evaluating ankle musculoskeletal characteristics, including tendon structure using ultrasonographic tissue characterization (UTC), ankle strength and range of motion, proprioceptive discrimination using the AMEDA apparatus, and assessment of current and past toe walking, alongside quantitative evaluation of sensory responsiveness using a validated questionnaire (Sensory Responsiveness Questionnaire - SQR). Group comparisons will evaluate differences in ankle structure and function, and association analyses will evaluate relationships among sensory responsiveness, toe-walking status, and ankle measures within the ASD group. Findings will inform the identification of preliminary clinical indicators to support the development of future community-based screening and physiotherapy interventions.
Primary outcome measures
- Achilles tendon [Time frame: baseline]
Secondary outcome measures (4)
- sensory responsiveness [Time frame: baseline]
- ankle joint range of motion [Time frame: baseline]
- ankle joint muscle strength [Time frame: baseline]
- toe walking [Time frame: baseline]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- a diagnosis of ASD, or with another diagnosis that includes features of ASD (such as fragile x),
- independent in daily activities,
- live alone,
- have a moderate-high level of functioning.
- Ability to understand basic instructions for performing the tests, signing an informed consent form or having a guardian sign an informed consent form
Exclusion criteria
- other neurological diseases (e.g., CP, multiple sclerosis),
- significant orthopedic injuries to the lower limb in the past year,
- previous ankle or Achilles tendon surgeries,
- additional diseases that may affect the structure of the Achilles tendon and ankle,
- who have not signed an informed consent form or are not interested in participating in the study
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: Yes
Study design
- Observational model
- Case-control
Study locations
Center list to be confirmed — check the primary protocol.
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07634965 · 235/26