Motor Training Integrating Cognitive-Behavioral Strategies and Narrative Grammar in Children with Autism Using the Global Integration Method (MIG): A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Introduction

A high prevalence of motor deficits has been documented in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD); these deficits negatively impact participation and functional performance. Conventional interventions, which are often fragmented, may limit skill acquisition and generalization. The Global Integration Method (MIG) proposes an integrative approach that combines motor training, proprioceptive stimulation, and cognitive-behavioral strategies mediated through narrative. This study evaluated its effectiveness compared with conventional treatments.

Methods

This study was designed as a three-arm randomized controlled clinical trial with assessor blinding, including 66 children with ASD aged 6-12 years. Participants were allocated to MIG, conventional physiotherapy, or conventional psychology groups. Interventions were delivered over five weeks. Assessments were performed at baseline, post-intervention, and at a three-month follow-up. Primary outcomes included motor skills (TGMD-2) and functional performance (COPM). Secondary outcomes included balance (PBS) and socio-communicative skills (PROC, ABFW). Analyses followed the intention-to-treat principle using repeated-measures ANOVA.

Results

The MIG group showed significant improvement compared with control groups in the primary outcomes, with a significant group × time interaction for fundamental motor skills and functional performance (p < 0.05), maintained at follow-up. Improvements were also observed in balance and socio-communicative skills (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found for adaptive behavior or self-reported motor coordination. Adherence was high, and adverse events were mild.

Conclusions

MIG was associated with greater improvements in motor and functional outcomes compared with conventional interventions. However, these findings should be interpreted as preliminary evidence of an intensive, multicomponent intervention package, in which treatment dose and combined therapeutic components may jointly contribute to the observed effects.