Effects of dual-task functional training on the movement competence of individuals with intellectual disabilities and developmental coordination disorders: a randomized controlled trial

Purpose The study aimed to determine the effects of dual-task functional training (D-TFT) on the movement competence of individuals with intellectual disabilities and developmental coordination disorders (ID and DCD).Materials and methods 30 individuals with ID and DCD were randomly assigned to control (n = 15, aged 11.73 ± 1.66 years old) and experimental, or D-TFT (n = 15, aged 10.93 ± 1.83 years old). The DCD Questionnaire was used to identify DCD, and the Test of Gross Motor Development, third edition (TGMD-3) and Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder (KTK) were used to evaluate movement competence. The experimental group performed D-TFT for 45 min, three days a week, for eight weeks.Results The results showed that there was a significant difference between the D-TFT and control groups in the movement competence variables of the total score of KTK (p = 0.001; ES = 0.39), locomotor skill (p = 0.005; ES = 0.22), ball skills (p = 0.001; ES = 0.60), total gross motor scores (p = 0.001; ES = 0.61).Conclusions According to the results of the study, the use of D-TFT can improve the movement competence of boys with ID and DCD. The use of verbal instructions while executing the training can have a considerable effect.Trial registration No IRCT20190425043370N2 (date of registration on 10, 01, 2024) registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials.Implications for RehabilitationDual-task functional training can be a suitable training program to improve the movement competence of boys with intellectual disability and developmental coordination disorders.Using verbal instructions increases the accuracy and correct implementation of functional movement patterns in the training program.The use of exercise programs such as dual-task functional training, due to being close to daily movement patterns, can positively affect the daily life and independence of individuals with intellectual disability and developmental coordination disorder.