Effects of Progressive Functional Training Versus Dual-Task Performance in School-Going Children
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.
Motor skill development during childhood plays a vital role in physical fitness, academic participation, and overall functional independence. School-going children require adequate motor competence to perform daily activities, participate in sports, and adapt to increasingly complex physical and cognitive demands. Traditional physical education programs often focus on isolated physical skills, which may not fully address real-life multitasking requirements. Progressive functional training (PFT) emphasizes task-oriented, developmentally appropriate movements that mimic daily activities and progressively increase in difficulty. This approach helps improve fundamental motor skills, balance, coordination, and strength. In contrast, dual-task training (DTT) involves the simultaneous performance of motor and cognitive tasks, thereby enhancing motor performance under divided attention and improving motor-cognitive integration. Although both training methods have shown positive effects on motor skills, limited evidence exists comparing their effectiveness in school-going children. Therefore, this study aims to compare the effects of progressive functional training versus dual-task training on motor skills in school-going children. This study will adopt a randomized clinical design. A total of 66 school-going children aged 6-12 years will be selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants will be randomly allocated into two groups: Group A (Progressive Functional Training) and Group B (Dual-Task Training). Baseline assessments of motor skills will be conducted using standardized tools such Bruin inks- as the Ossietzky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2), Pediatric Balance Scale, and Dual-Task Timed Up and Go Test. Group A will undergo progressive functional training focusing on balance, coordination, strength, and functional movement patterns. Group B will receive dual-task training involving motor activities combined with cognitive tasks. Both groups will receive training for 4 weeks, with sessions conducted 3 times per week. Post-intervention assessments will be performed using the same outcome measures. The collected data will be statistically analyzed to compare pre- and post test outcomes within and between groups.
Inclusion Criteria: * School going children aged 6-12 years , * Both gender ,Ability to understand and follow simple verbal instruction , * Typically developing children
Exclusion Criteria: * Visual or hearing issue , * Recent injury or surgeries
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