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

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]