The effect of Dual-Task balance exercises on cognitive functions among children with mild and borderline mental retardation: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dual-task balance training (DTBT) in improving the mental performance of children with intellectual disabilities. Materials and Methods Forty-five children (aged 6–13 years) with mild mental retardation (intelligence quotient: 50–79) were randomised to receive cognitive training and DTBT (group A), standard balance and cognitive training (group B), or only cognitive training (control group). The intervention was provided twice a week for 12 weeks (totally 24 sessions). The WISC-R intelligence and MOXO attention tests were used for outcome analysis. All outcome assessments were made before, after, and three months after the study. Results There were significant improvements after using DTBT compared to the other two sets of interventions, at least in selected aspects of intelligence and mental performance. Conclusions A precisely planned, progressive DTBT program can be effective in developing and sustaining improvements in mental abilities among children with intellectual disabilities. This study is recorded in ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT04114487)