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

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

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.

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.

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.

Study 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.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Berg Balance Scale (BBS) — 6 weeks
  The Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), used to assess functional balance in children during daily activities, is a highly reliable measurement tool. It is an adapted version of the Berg Balance Scale specifically designed for children. The scale consists of 14 items evaluating functional movements such as standing up, picking up an object from the floor, transferring, balancing on one foot, and sitting. Each item is scored on a scale from 0 to 4, with 4 indicating the ability to perform the task independently. The maximum score is 56. Scores between 0-20 indicate poor balance, 21-40 indicate acceptable balance, and 41-56 indicate good balance.
• Timed Up and Go Test — 6 weeks
  Description: The Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) is used to assess functional mobility by measuring walking speed, postural control, and balance. The test involves standing up from a standard-height chair without armrests, walking a distance of 3 meters, turning around, walking back to the chair, and sitting down. Participants perform one practice trial followed by three test trials, with the average time recorded in seconds. A shorter duration indicates better functional mobility and balance.
• Tandem Walking Test — 6 weeks
  Description: The Tandem Walking Test is used to assess dynamic balance, a function primarily controlled by the cerebellum. Participants are instructed to walk 10 steps in a straight line, placing the heel of one foot directly in front of the toes of the other foot with each step, minimizing the base of support. The time taken to complete the 10 steps is recorded, and a shorter time indicates better dynamic balance.
• Stroop Test — 6 weeks
  Description: The Stroop Test is a neuropsychological assessment that measures cognitive processing speed, selective attention, response inhibition, and cognitive flexibility-functions associated with the frontal lobe. It includes four cards, each containing six rows with four items per row. Participants are required to name the color of the ink used rather than the word itself, evaluating their ability to inhibit habitual responses and adapt to cognitive interference.

Trial sites (1)

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