Single-Dual Task Performance in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Typically Developing Children

Atlas University90 enrolled

Overview

This study aims to compare the effects of single-task and dual-task conditions on motor performance and postural control in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and typically developing children. Participants' performance under single-task and dual-task conditions involving cognitive load will be evaluated to examine how cognitive demands affect physical task performance in both groups.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

Conditions

Autism Dual Task

Interventions

Single- and Dual-Task Condition AssessmentOTHER

Participants will perform motor tasks under single-task and dual-task conditions. In the dual-task condition, a concurrent cognitive task will be added to the motor task to increase cognitive load. Performance during these conditions will be assessed to examine the effects of cognitive load on motor performance and postural control. No therapeutic intervention, medication, or device is applied.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 5 YearsMax age: 16 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Group: * Aged between 5 and 16 years * Diagnosed with mild to moderate Autism Spectrum Disorder based on Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) scores * Ability to understand basic visual, auditory, and verbal instructions * Sufficient cognitive capacity to follow dual-task instructions Typically Developing Control Group: * Age- and sex-matched with the ASD group * No history of neurological, psychiatric, sensory, orthopedic, or developmental disorders * No acute or chronic medical conditions * No pain complaints during assessment * Written informed consent obtained from a legal guardian Exclusion Criteria: Both Groups: * History of neurological disorders, epilepsy, or seizures * Orthopedic or musculoskeletal conditions affecting balance * Visual or hearing impairments (except corrected vision or hearing with glasses or hearing aids) * Use of assistive devices for walking or balance * Use of medications affecting balance or motor performance * Presence of comorbid psychiatric disorders * Inability to cooperate adequately during assessment * Absence from more than two consecutive assessment sessions * Participation in another intervention program during the study period

Locations (1)

Moren Language, Speech, and Development Center

Ordu, Turkey (Türkiye)

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Postural control performance

Postural control will be assessed using the Nintendo Wii Balance Board under both single-task and dual-task conditions. The mean value of center of pressure sway in the medio-lateral and anterior-posterior directions will be calculated during a 30-second quiet standing task with eyes open. Values will be expressed in millimeters (mm).

Time frame: Day 3

Secondary Outcomes

Walking Performance

Gait performance will be assessed under single-task and dual-task conditions using a sensor-based mobile gait analysis application. The mean walking speed will be calculated during a 6-meter walking task performed at a self-selected comfortable pace. Walking speed values will be expressed in meters per second (m/s).

Time frame: Day 3

Motor Performance

Motor performance will be assessed under single-task and dual-task conditions using the Sit-to-Stand App. During a 30-second sit-to-stand test, the mean vertical power will be calculated based on average vertical velocity normalized to body weight. Mean power values will be expressed in watts (W) and used as an indicator of lower extremity muscle performance.

Time frame: Day 3

Childhood Autism Rating Scale

The Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) was used to assess autism spectrum disorder and rate its severity. The CASR is an observation-based assessment tool developed by Schopler, Reichler, and Renner in 1980.The scale consists of 15 items and covers behavioral areas such as social relationships, imitation, emotional responses, physical movements, adaptation, visual and auditory responses, olfactory responses, language communication, and intelligence . In the scoring of the test, 15-29 points indicate no signs of autism, 30-37 points indicate mild to moderate levels, and 38-60 points indicate severe levels of autistic traits .

Time frame: Day 1

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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