Dual-Task Balance Training for Motor Skill Development among Children with Intelligence Quotient Discrepancy

Abstract

The motor skills of people with mental disabilities are reportedly reduced compared with those of their peers. Therefore, any task incorporating both motor and cognitive skills was hypothesized to provide better motor recovery. The aim of this study is to find the effect of dual-task balance training (DTBT) on motor skill development in children of 6–13 years with intelligence quotient discrepancy (IQD) (score: 50–79). Overall, 30 individuals with mental disabilities aged 6–13 years having an IQ score of 50–79 were included. The participants were randomly divided into two groups that received dual-task training and standard balance training, respectively. IQ was measured with the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised, motor proficiency with the Bruininks–Oseretsky test, reaction time with COGNIBOARD, and balance with Functional Reach Test scores. Intervention was provided twice a week for 12 consecutive weeks. Participants in both groups showed higher test scores in all tests after the training program. Both training programs positively affected the motor performance of the participants. The DTBT was more effective in improving balance performance than the standard balance training. DTBT is a better tool than conventional balance training for improving motor skills and balance in children of 6–13 years with IQD (score: 50–79).

Effect of dual task activity programme on balance and coordination in a selected group of children aged 4-16 years with cerebral palsy (gross motor function classification system levels I and II) using telerehabilitation: A pre-post experimental study

“…The findings support prior research which found significant impact of a dual task activity programme on balance for developmental coordination disorder children in age group of 7 to 9 years 11 . A study conducted to improve motor skills in Intelligence Quotient (IQ) discrepancy children aged 6 to 13 years reported that dual task activity had more effect than standard balance training 12 . A case study on task-oriented approach for balance, mobility, coordination and speed for upper-lower extremity and strengthening was conducted and showed significant improvement 7 .…”

Influence of a Three-Month Mixed Reality Training on Gait Speed and Cognitive Functions in Adults with Intellectual Disability: A Pilot Study

“…MR may have a strong therapeutic interest for this population because it can provide cognitive, perceptive, and motor stimulation for the user. Perceptual-motor training can improve motor skills in either healthy or pathological populations [ 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 ] and motor training can improve cognitive abilities [ 9 ]. Furthermore, extended reality technologies such as VR or MR allow for immersive and playful activities.…”