Effects of a cognitive-motor dual-task exercise program versus exergaming on cognitive function in children with down syndrome: A single-blinded randomized trial.

PURPOSE: Children with Down syndrome (DS) often experience motor and cognitive delays. Dual-task (DT) interventions targeting both domains may offer a comprehensive strategy for cognitive enhancement. This study examined and compared the effects of cognitive-motor dual-task (CMDT) training and exergaming on cognitive performance in children with DS.

METHODS

Twenty-three children with DS, aged 8-14 years, took part in an 8-week study protocol. Assessments were conducted before and after the intervention, during Weeks 1 and 8, respectively. The intervention included twelve 45-min sessions held over six weeks (Week 2 to 7) from September to December 2024. Eleven received the exergaming protocol; twelve received CMDT training. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) adapted for DS. Outcomes included attention and psychomotor speed, memory, and executive function.

RESULTS

Significant time effects were observed for reaction time (p < 0.01, η2 = 0.31), error reduction (p = 0.01, η2 = 0.25), single-task errors (p = 0.01, η2 = 0.24), and side block errors (p = 0.05, η2 = 0.17): notably, all significant effects reflected positive improvements in attention and executive function over the course of the intervention. Both groups exhibited a significant increase in incongruency latency from pre-to post-intervention (p < 0.01, η2 = 0.33) No significant memory or group-by-time effects emerged.

CONCLUSION

CMDT and exergaming produced comparable improvements in processing speed, attentional control, and inhibitory function, supporting their use in cognitively engaging physical activity programs. The study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT06146907).