Training Response Abilities of Children With Intellectual Disabilities: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Response abilities, i.e., response time (RT) and response force (RF), which are essential for efficient motor control, are impaired in children with intellectual disabilities (ID). The study aimed to evaluate the effects of object control skills training, computer-based games training, or standard care on the RT and RF of children with ID when measured across task conditions. A randomized controlled trial was conducted in a special education school where 75 children with ID, between 9 and 17 years of age, were randomly assigned to object control skills training, computer-based games training, or standard care, where intervention groups were provided thrice a week for four weeks. The RT and RF were measured using a response analyzer for simple response task, (passive and active) dual-task, and choice response task at baseline, post-intervention, and four-week follow-up. The RT significantly reduced with object control skills training (η_p²= .325) and computer-based games training (η_p²= .159). Participants who received the object control skills training had greater stability in force production than the other groups. With training, children with ID take less time and show better stability in their ability to modulate force in various task settings, with more pronounced effects with the object control skills training.

Keywords:

• response time
• response force
• intellectual disability
• object control skills
• computer-based games training

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the school authorities who permitted to conduct the study and the participants and their parents for their assent and consent to participate in the study. Dr. Pratiksha Tilak Rao was supported by the full-time structured Ph.D. program offered by Manipal Academy of Higher Education (formerly known as Manipal University) during the study period. The authors would like to acknowledge Dr. N. Manikandan for his guidance, input, and support throughout the study.

Disclosure statement

There are no relevant financial or non-financial competing interests to report.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.