Effects of Functional Training vs Dual-Task Training in School-Going Children

NCT07764913 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: REC/RCR&AHS/25/0769
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 66
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study aims to compare the effects of Progressive Functional Training and Dual-Task Training on motor skills in school-going children. It focuses on improving balance, coordination, strength, and motor-cognitive integration. A randomized clinical trial will be conducted on children aged 6-12 years divided into two groups receiving different interventions for 4 weeks.

Conditions

Functional Performance

Keywords

Progressive Functional Training; Dual Task Performance; Motor Skills; School going children; balance; coordination; Motor performance

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency

  Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency Used for composites and overall proficiency, ranging from a scale of 20 to 80 . Assesses gross and fine motor skills Subtests include: Balance, running, speed and agility, Bilateral coordination, Strength Suitable for children aged 4-21 years, widely used, reliable, and valid for school aged children

  The BOT-2 Short Form was administered at baseline and after the 6-week intervention. Each assessment required approximately 15-20 minutes to complete.

• digit span test

  This framework assesses fundamental motor skills in children aged 3-10, including locomotor skills (running, jumping, hopping) and object control skills (throwing, catching, kicking), commonly used in school-based interventions. Cognitive dual-task performance is measured using the Digit Span Test (forward and backward) to assess attention and working memory during concurrent motor tasks, and the Verbal Fluency Test (animal naming) to evaluate executive function and cognitive flexibility, with outcomes based on correct recall sequences and number of words generated in 60 seconds.

  Time Frame: Assessed at baseline (Week 1) and after 6 weeks of intervention (Week 6).

Study Arms (2)

Progressive Functional Training Group

EXPERIMENTAL

This program involves task-oriented exercises such as sit-to-stand, step-ups, reaching, jumping, and obstacle walking, with progressive increases in difficulty, speed, and resistance. It is performed for 30-40 minutes per session, three times per week for six weeks, including a 5-7 minute warm-up, 30 minutes of functional training, and a 5-8 minute cool-down. Training progresses from low-intensity activities in weeks 1-2 (e.g., sit-to-stand, walking, low step-ups, ball activities, and static balance) to moderate intensity in weeks 3-4 (e.g., squats with reach, tandem and obstacle walking, ball tasks, and dynamic balance), and high intensity in weeks 5-6 (e.g., lunges, jumping, agility drills, direction changes, and advanced balance tasks).

Other: progressive functional training

Dual Task Performance Group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

This program combines motor and cognitive tasks, such as walking while counting, balance with memory recall, and ball activities with verbal tasks, with gradually increasing cognitive complexity. It is performed for 30-40 minutes per session, three times per week for six weeks, to improve dual-task performance, attention, and executive function. Each session includes a 5-7 minute warm-up, followed by 30 minutes of dual-task training progressing from simple tasks (e.g., walking while counting forward, naming animals during balance) to moderate (e.g., counting backward, obstacle walking with naming tasks) and then complex activities (e.g., direction-change walking while counting by threes, hopping with verbal tasks, TUG with cognitive tasks). Sessions end with a 5-8 minute cool-down of relaxed walking, stretching, and breathing exercises.

Other: dual task performance

Interventions

progressive functional training OTHER

This program involves task-oriented exercises such as sit-to-stand, step-ups, reaching, jumping, and obstacle walking, with progressive increases in difficulty, speed, and resistance. It is performed for 30-40 minutes per session, three times per week for six weeks, including a 5-7 minute warm-up, 30 minutes of functional training, and a 5-8 minute cool-down. Training progresses from low-intensity activities in weeks 1-2 (e.g., sit-to-stand, walking, low step-ups, ball activities, and static balance) to moderate intensity in weeks 3-4 (e.g., squats with reach, tandem and obstacle walking, ball tasks, and dynamic balance), and high intensity in weeks 5-6 (e.g., lunges, jumping, agility drills, direction changes, and advanced balance tasks).

Progressive Functional Training Group

dual task performance OTHER

This program combines motor and cognitive tasks, such as walking while counting, balance with memory recall, and ball activities with verbal tasks, with gradually increasing cognitive complexity. It is performed for 30-40 minutes per session, three times per week for six weeks, to improve dual-task performance, attention, and executive function. Each session includes a 5-7 minute warm-up, followed by 30 minutes of dual-task training progressing from simple tasks (e.g., walking while counting forward, naming animals during balance) to moderate (e.g., counting backward, obstacle walking with naming tasks) and then complex activities (e.g., direction-change walking while counting by threes, hopping with verbal tasks, TUG with cognitive tasks). Sessions end with a 5-8 minute cool-down of relaxed walking, stretching, and breathing exercises.

Dual Task Performance Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 6 Years - 12 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Child (0-17)

You may qualify if:

• School going children aged 6-12 years ,
• Both gender ,Ability to understand and follow simple verbal instruction ,
• Typically developing children

You may not qualify if:

• Visual or hearing issue ,
• Recent injury or surgeries

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Riphah International University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Riphah International University

Lahore, Punjab Province, 54660, Pakistan

Location

Related Publications (1)

• Aung N, Hiengkaew V, Tretriluxana J, Bryant MS, Bovonsunthonchai S. Effectiveness of Motor Imagery Combined with Structured Progressive Circuit Class Training on Functional Mobility in Post-Stroke Individuals: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Rehabil Med. 2022 Jul 27;54:jrm00297. doi: 10.2340/jrm.v54.1390.

  PMID: 35797065 BACKGROUND

Study Officials

• Hafsa Aslam, MS-PT

  Riphah International University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: May 5, 2026
• First Posted: August 14, 2026
• Study Start: April 16, 2026
• Primary Completion: July 5, 2026
• Study Completion: July 10, 2026
• Last Updated: August 14, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-08

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

PA (1)