The effect of a selected training program under dual-task and single-task conditions on the cognitive flexibility of children with developmental coordination disability

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a selected training program under dual and single-task conditions on the cognitive flexibility of children with developmental coordination disorder. The research method was semi-experimental and with a pre-test-post-test- follow-up design with control group. The statistical population of this study included male students with developmental disorder in Ahvaz city. From the mentioned population, a sample of 39 subjects who were eligible for inclusion in the study was selected by available sampling method. After the Trail Making Test as a pre-test, they were randomly assigned to three groups: Exercise Dual task (n=13), single task training (n=13) and control (n=13). Then, the two experimental groups performed a selected training program with different conditions for 8 weeks and 3 sessions each 45 minutes each week. At the end, all subjects were followed by a Trail Making Test and two months later, a follow-up test. Data analysis using one-way covariance analysis as well as t-test showed that in post-test, cognitive flexibility in dual task group was superior to both single and control group (P < 0.05). In the follow-up test, this superiority remained only rather than the control group. Also, the single task group was superior to the control group in the post-test (P <0.05). Compared to single-task approaches, dual-task-based exercises can improve the cognitive flexibility of children with developmental coordination disorder, so using this method in the planning of classes is suggested for this group of children.

Keywords

• dual-task
• single-task
• cognitive flexibility
• developmental coordination disorder