Gamified Tai Chi Intervention to Improve Executive Function in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

NCT07322952 | Active Not Recruiting DMC

• 1 other identifier: 2025LCLL-141
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 223
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This randomized controlled trial evaluates the effectiveness of a "Gamified Tai Chi" intervention on improving executive functions (such as inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility) in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The study aims to determine whether integrating game mechanics (based on the Mechanics, Dynamics, and Aesthetics framework) into Tai Chi training offers superior benefits compared to traditional Tai Chi training or routine care. Approximately 200 children aged 8-15 years will be randomly assigned to one of three groups for a 12 months period: Gamified Tai Chi Group: Participants will attend sessions combining simplified Tai Chi forms with interactive tasks, such as digital chasing games and cooperative challenges, using a point-based reward system to enhance engagement. Traditional Tai Chi Group: Participants will learn the same Tai Chi movements but via standard instruction methods without gamification elements. Control Group: Participants will continue their routine rehabilitation or physical education classes (Waitlist design). Assessors who are blinded to group allocation will evaluate outcomes at baseline and post-intervention using standardized cognitive tasks (e.g., Flanker task, 1-back task) and behavioral questionnaires regarding social functioning and daily living skills.

Conditions

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Change in working memory measured by 1 back task accuracy

  Working memory will be assessed with a computerized 1 back task. The primary outcome will be mean accuracy across all experimental trials. Higher scores indicate better working memory performance.

  Change from baseline to 6 months after randomization

• Change in inhibitory control measured by Flanker task accuracy

  Inhibitory control will be assessed with a child friendly computerized Flanker task. The primary outcome will be mean accuracy on incongruent trials. Higher scores indicate better inhibitory control.

  Change from baseline to 6 month after randomization

• Change in cognitive flexibility measured by More Odd Shifting task accuracy

  Cognitive flexibility will be assessed with a computerized More Odd Shifting task that requires switching between judging number magnitude and number parity. The primary outcome will be mean accuracy on mixed blocks that require task switching. Higher scores indicate better cognitive flexibility.

  Change from baseline to 6 months after randomization

Secondary Outcomes (4)

• Change in social responsiveness measured by the Social Responsiveness Scale-Second Edition (SRS-2)

  Change from baseline to 6 months after randomization

• Change in functional independence in daily living measured by the WeeFIM

  Change from baseline to 6 months after randomization

• Change in behavior problems measured by the Child Behavior Checklist for ages 6-18 (CBCL/6-18)

  Change from baseline to 6 months after randomization

• Change in autism symptom severity measured by the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS)

  Change from baseline to 6 months after randomization

Study Arms (3)

Control Group

NO INTERVENTION

Participants will maintain their routine rehabilitation courses and standard physical education classes as per the school curriculum. No additional Tai Chi training will be provided during the 12 months study period. They may be offered Tai Chi training after the study conclusion (Waitlist design).

Traditional Tai Chi Group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants will receive a 12 months standard Traditional Tai Chi training (3 sessions/week, 45 mins/session). This group performs the same physical movements as the experimental group but without any gamification, scoring systems, or interactive game scenarios.

Behavioral: Traditional Tai Chi Group

Gamified Tai Chi Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants will receive a 12 months Gamified Tai Chi intervention (3 sessions/week, 45 mins/session). The intervention integrates the MDA (Mechanics, Dynamics, Aesthetics) framework and exergaming elements into traditional Tai Chi movements to target executive functions.

Behavioral: Gamified Tai Chi Program

Interventions

Traditional Tai Chi Group BEHAVIORAL

Participants will receive a 12 months standard Traditional Tai Chi training (3 sessions/week, 45 mins/session). This group performs the same physical movements as the experimental group but without any gamification, scoring systems, or interactive game scenarios.

Traditional Tai Chi Group

Gamified Tai Chi Program BEHAVIORAL

Participants will receive a 12 months Gamified Tai Chi intervention (3 sessions/week, 45 mins/session). The intervention integrates the MDA (Mechanics, Dynamics, Aesthetics) framework and exergaming elements into traditional Tai Chi movements to target executive functions.

Gamified Tai Chi Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 8 Years - 15 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Child (0-17)

You may qualify if:

• Children aged 8 to 15 years at enrollment.
• Clinical diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder based on DSM Fifth Edition or ICD Eleventh Revision, confirmed by a qualified child psychiatrist or psychologist.
• Basic receptive and expressive language abilities sufficient to understand simple verbal instructions and to express basic needs.
• Ability to participate in group based physical activities as judged by clinicians or teachers.
• Written informed consent provided by a legal guardian and assent provided by the child within his or her level of understanding.

You may not qualify if:

• Coexisting severe psychiatric disorders such as psychotic disorders or major mood disorders, or intellectual disability with an intelligence quotient less than 70.
• Uncontrolled epilepsy, or medical conditions that may compromise exercise safety, including but not limited to significant cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, or musculoskeletal disorders.
• Receipt of systematic interventions specifically targeting executive function or regular martial arts or Tai Chi training during the three months prior to enrollment.
• Inability to follow verbal instructions, or marked behavior problems that make participation in group activities unsafe or infeasible, as judged by clinicians or teachers.
• Any other condition that the research team considers likely to interfere with participation in the intervention or with outcome assessment.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Jinan University Guangzhou: lead
• Chaozhou Special Education School: collaborator

Study Sites (1)

Chaozhou Special Education School

Chaozhou, Gaungdong, China

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Child Development Disorders, Pervasive; Neurodevelopmental Disorders; Mental Disorders

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: TRIPLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT, CARE PROVIDER, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Lecturer, School of Physical Education, Jinan University

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: December 22, 2025
• First Posted: January 7, 2026
• Study Start: February 1, 2025
• Primary Completion: February 1, 2026
• Study Completion: February 1, 2026
• Last Updated: January 7, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-01

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

CN (1)