Children With Specific Learning Disabilities and Exercise

Summary

Specific learning disabilities (SLD) are neurodevelopmental disorders seen in children with normal or above-average intelligence (IQ\> 85), no significant brain damage or sensory impairment, who experience difficulties in reading, writing, speaking, or performing functions. Visual-motor control, dynamic balance, and bilateral coordination are among the most prominent motor skill deficits in children with SLD. Accordingly, the aim of this study is to examine the effects of perceptual motor exercises and virtual reality-based exercises on the motor skills, balance function, proprioception, and participation of children with SLD. In the randomized controlled trial, children aged 7-10 years with SLD will be randomly allocated into three groups: a perceptual-motor exercise group, a virtual reality-based exercise group, and a control group that will continue their usual individual education program without additional exercise intervention. The exercise program will be carried out twice a week for 45 minutes over an 8-week period. Assessments will be conducted before and after the intervention. Motor skill level will be assessed using the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, Second Edition - Brief Form, functional balance using the Pediatric Balance Scale, static balance using the Single-Leg Stance Test and the Flamingo Balance Test, dynamic balance using the Timed Up and Go Test and the Four Square Step Test, proprioception using the Joint Position Sense Test, and participation using the Participation and Environment Measurement for Children and Youth. The effect of the exercise interventions on these parameters will be compared between the intervention groups and the control group.

Conditions

• Specific Learning Disability

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Perceptual-Motor Exercise

The exercise program will consist of a 10-minute warm-up, 25 minutes of targeted perceptual-motor exercises, and a 10-minute cool-down period. The program for the perceptual-motor exercise group will be developed using previous studies in this field derived from the Jack Capon protocol. The program will include, for example, basic movement activities (walking forward-backward and zigzag, jumping forward-backward and crosswise, jumping forward-backward, etc.), ball-rope-hoop activities (throwing and catching a ball with the hand, bouncing a ball with one hand, kicking a ball selected from among balls of different colors, jumping rope, jumping over and under the rope, passing through hoops on the ground, spinning the hoop around the waist, etc.), balance beam and vaulting box activities (walking on a flat or narrow beam, standing on one foot, jumping on and off the box, moving between boxes, etc.).

BEHAVIORAL

Virtual Reality-Based Exercise

The X box 360 Kinect (Microsoft) will be used for the virtual reality-based exercise. Children will be given a 10-minute tutorial session before the first session to explain how to play the games and the rules they must follow. Feedback will be provided to children as needed. The virtual reality-based exercise group will consist of a 5-minute warm-up and 40 minutes of virtual reality games. The cool-down period will include a game involving less intense activity. Game content: Kinect Adventures game (20,000 Leaks, Space Pop, River Rush, Reflex Ridge, etc.) Kinect Sports I (Short-distance running, Hurdle Jump, Long Jump, etc.)

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Hacettepe University

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

7 Years

Max Age

10 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-04-30

Primary Completion

2027-06-30

Completion

2027-12-31