Gamified Tai Chi for Cognitive Control and Behavioral Symptoms in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Assessor-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial
试验速览
- 阶段
- 不适用
- 状态
- 已完成
- 发起方
- 入组人数
- 100
- 试验地点
- 1
- 主要终点
- Change in working memory measured by 1 back task accuracy
研究概览
简要总结
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.
研究设计
- 研究类型
- Interventional
- 分配方式
- Randomized
- 干预模型
- Parallel
- 主要目的
- Treatment
- 盲法
- Triple (Participant, Care Provider, Outcomes Assessor)
入排标准
- 年龄范围
- 9 Years 至 12 Years（Child）
- 性别
- All
- 接受健康志愿者
- 否
入选标准
- •Children aged 9 to 12 years at enrollment.
- •Clinical diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder based on DSM-5 criteria, confirmed by a qualified clinician.
- •Full-scale or equivalent IQ of at least
- •Able to understand basic instructions, imitate movements, and take part in group activities.
- •Able to tolerate low- to moderate-intensity exercise.
- •Educational, rehabilitation, and medication plans expected to remain stable during the study.
- •Written informed consent provided by a legal guardian, with child assent obtained when developmentally appropriate.
排除标准
- •Unable to complete basic cognitive or motor assessments.
- •Severe psychiatric or neurological conditions.
- •Exercise contraindications or severe sensory impairments.
- •Safety risks during group activities.
- •Systematic executive-function training, cognitive training, Tai Chi, martial arts, or other structured exercise within the previous 3 months.
- •Medication or rehabilitation plan expected to change during the study.
研究组 & 干预措施
Control Group
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
Participants in this arm receive regular curriculum activities for 16 weeks at the same frequency and duration as the intervention arm (3 sessions/week, 45 minutes/session; 48 sessions in total), delivered by regular teaching staff. These activities include basic physical activities, simple movement practice, classroom routines, and usual rehabilitation activities. This arm does not include Tai Chi, gamified movement tasks, or structured executive-function training. After the 16-week period, participants enter an 8-week natural follow-up during which they continue their usual school curriculum and daily routines.
干预措施: Traditional Tai Chi Group (Behavioral)
Gamified Tai Chi Group
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.
干预措施: Gamified Tai Chi Program (Behavioral)
结局指标
主要结局
Change in working memory measured by 1 back task accuracy
时间窗: Change from baseline to 6 months after randomization
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 in inhibitory control measured by Flanker task accuracy
时间窗: Change from baseline to 6 month after randomization
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 in cognitive flexibility measured by More Odd Shifting task accuracy
时间窗: Change from baseline to 6 months after randomization
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.
次要结局
- 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)
研究者
Ma Ruisi
Lecturer, School of Physical Education, Jinan University
Jinan University Guangzhou