Clinical Research Directory

Adapting the Sensory Environment to Reduce Stress in Children With Autism During Dental Visits

This study aims to evaluate the impact of a sensory-adapted dental environment (SADE) on the stress levels and behavioral responses of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during dental visits. Children with ASD often experience sensory sensitivities, making traditional dental care challenging and stressful. In this study, 40 children aged 8 to 12 diagnosed with ASD, along with their parents or legal guardians, will participate in two standard dental visits spaced 30 days apart. The first visit will take place under standard clinical conditions, while the second visit will utilize a sensory-adapted dental environment featuring modified visual elements (such as dark protective glasses), auditory (noise-canceling headphones or relaxing music), taste (unflavored toothpaste), smell (sweet orange essential oil) and tactile adjustments (a weighted blanket). The study will measure stress using objective tools, including continuous digital biomarkers of stress recorded via wristbands (such as heart rate, electrodermal activity, accelerometer data, actigraphy, movement intensity, step count, metabolic equivalent of task, skin temperature, and peripheral body orientation) and the analysis of salivary lysozyme and cortisol levels in both children and parents. Additionally, standardized psychological questionnaires will be used to assess the child's sensory profile, as well as parental stress and coping strategies. The findings will help determine whether modifying the sensory environment can effectively reduce anxiety and improve the dental care experience for children with autism.

The Effects of Yoga on Sensory, Motor, Cognitive Skills, and Perceived Stress in Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder

This clinical study aims to investigate the effects of yoga on children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). DCD is a condition that can make it difficult for children to perform everyday activities, as it affects their ability to plan movements, maintain balance, and coordinate their actions. Children with DCD may also experience challenges related to attention, perception, and coping with stress. The main purpose of this study is to examine whether a structured yoga program can improve children's sensory (how they perceive and process information from their environment), motor (movement and coordination), and cognitive (attention, planning, and problem-solving) skills, as well as reduce their perceived stress levels. Yoga is a holistic approach that includes breathing exercises, body awareness, balance activities, and relaxation techniques, which may support both physical and mental well-being. The hypothesis of the study is that children with DCD who participate in the yoga program will show greater improvements in sensory-motor and cognitive skills and experience lower levels of perceived stress compared to those who do not participate or who receive standard support. Regular yoga practice is expected to help children become more aware of their bodies, perform movements more effectively, and gain greater independence in daily activities. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the development of intervention programs for children with DCD and to provide evidence on whether yoga can be an effective complementary approach to support their overall development.