Effects of Exercise and Social Gaming on the Brain in Autism Spectrum Disorders
We are looking for teens with autism, ages 13-19, to help us study how exercise and social gaming affect brain responses.
Why this Research Matters
If you join this study, you will take part in a 10-week exercise program or social gaming program. This will help us learn more about how exercise and social games affect the brain. You will be randomly assigned to one of the programs, like flipping a coin. You don’t get to choose what program you will be in.
What to Expect
If you are in the exercise group, you will do exercises you enjoy for at least 30 minutes, three times a week. Every two weeks, you will do one of your exercise sessions in the lab with our team. If you are in the social gaming group, you will play games with our team every two weeks, without changing your activity levels. You will have eight in-person visits. Two visits will happen before the program starts, five will happen as part of the program (to exercise or play games every two weeks), and one after the program ends. During the study, you will have MRI scans, blood tests, questionnaires, and cognitive tests. The MRI scan takes pictures of your brain.
Study Duration
You will be in the study for about 12 to 14 weeks.
Who can Participate
You might be able to join the study if you:
- Have autism spectrum disorder without an intellectual disability
- Are 13 to 19 years old
- Can do mild to moderate exercise
- Do not have metal or electronic devices in your body
- Do not claustrophobia (fear of small spaces)
Study ID
Protocol Number: 14-1282x
Compensation Information
Meet the Team
Jason Tregellas, PhD
Principal Investigator