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

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Psychology
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Individuals with intellectual disability often exhibit deficits in motor skills.
• Tasks combining motor and cognitive elements may enhance motor recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of dual-task balance training (DTBT) on motor skill development in children with intellectual disability.
• To compare the effectiveness of DTBT versus standard balance training in this population.

Main Methods:

• Thirty children aged 6-13 years with intellectual disability (IQ 50-79) participated.
• Participants were randomly assigned to either DTBT or standard balance training groups.
• Intervention involved 12 weeks of training, twice weekly, with assessments of IQ, motor proficiency, reaction time, and balance.

Main Results:

• Both training groups demonstrated improvements across all assessed motor skills.
• Dual-task balance training showed superior effectiveness in enhancing balance performance compared to standard balance training.

Conclusions:

• Dual-task balance training is a beneficial intervention for improving motor skills and balance in children with intellectual disability.
• DTBT offers a more effective approach than conventional balance training for this demographic.