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

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.

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.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Obtaining parental consent
• Having an Intelligence Quotient between 51-70
• Having an educational diagnosis of mild mental retardation
• Being between the ages of 8-12
• Ability to understand Turkish instructions
• Ability to follow commands during the exercise program
• No additional disabilities that would prevent participation in the program

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having a metabolic or systemic disease
• Engaging in regular physical exercise
• Having visual or hearing impairments
• Presence of any condition that would interfere with compliance to assessment parameters