NCT07028333

Effects of Different Dual-Task Exercises in Children With Mild Mental Retardation

Effects of Different Dual-Task Exercises on Motor and Cognitive Functions in Children With Mild Mental Retardation

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 33 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 8 Years – 12 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of motor-motor and motor-cognitive dual-task exercises applied to children with mild mental retardation on their functional mobility, balance, cognitive function, and quality of life.

Detailed description

Physical activity is a cornerstone of health and social well-being across all age groups. It holds significant physical, psychological, and social importance throughout an individual's life. Particularly in childhood, physical activity plays a critical role in shaping growth and development, enhancing cognitive functions, and establishing healthy habits that persist into adulthood. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the importance of physical activity for all age groups, highlighting its positive effects on children's cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, bone health, mental health, cognitive functions, academic performance, and obesity prevention. Children with mental retardation exhibit developmental delays across multiple domains compared to their typically developing peers. Mental retardation not only affects language, comprehension, learning, and socialization skills but also impairs motor abilities. These motor deficits contribute to reduced physical activity levels, increased sedentary behavior, and associated physical and psychological problems, which further restrict motor skill development. This cyclical relationship among mental retardation, motor function, and physical inactivity leads to decreased functionality, balance, strength, endurance, fitness, and flexibility. Consequently, children with mental retardation face challenges in daily activities and reduced quality of life. In order to address these challenges, it is essential to implement exercise programs that target cognitive, social, and physical development in children with mental retardation. Performing daily movements often requires simultaneous execution of motor and cognitive tasks, known as dual-task activities. However, mental retardation significantly impairs the ability to perform such dual tasks. Existing literature indicates that dual-task interventions can improve balance, functional mobility, gait, and cognitive performance. The current study aims to investigate the effects of dual-task exercise programs on motor and cognitive functions in children with mild mental retardation. Specifically, it examines whether motor-motor and motor-cognitive dual-task exercises improve these functions compared to a control group receiving standard walking and balance exercises. The intervention will be conducted over six weeks, with assessments performed before and after the program to measure motor skills, cognitive function, and quality of life.

Conditions

• Mental Retardation

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Motor-Motor Dual Task Exercise Group	Participants in this group will perform motor tasks (such as ball handling, throwing, holding) accompanied by physiotherapist. Exercises will last about 40 minutes, 2 days a week, 6 weeks.
BEHAVIORAL	Motor-Cognitive Dual Task Exercise Group	This group will also do walking and balance exercises with the physiotherapist, while simultaneously doing cognitive tasks (rhythmic counting, saying color names, finding words, etc.). The exercises will last approximately 40 minutes, 2 days a week, for 6 weeks.
BEHAVIORAL	Control Group	Standard walking and balance exercises will be given to the control group at home and followed by parents. Exercises will last about 40 minutes, 2 days a week, 6 weeks.

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-11-15
• Primary completion: 2025-07-05
• Completion: 2025-11-10
• First posted: 2025-06-19
• Last updated: 2025-06-19

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)