Gamified Tai Chi Intervention to Improve Executive Function in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Jinan University Guangzhou

Status: Active, not recruiting

Conditions: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD

Treatments: Behavioral: Gamified Tai Chi Program; Behavioral: Traditional Tai Chi Group

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07322952

2025LCLL-141

Details and patient eligibility

About

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.

Enrollment: 223 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 8 to 15 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Children aged 8 to 15 years at enrollment.
• Clinical diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder based on DSM Fifth Edition or ICD Eleventh Revision, confirmed by a qualified child psychiatrist or psychologist.
• Basic receptive and expressive language abilities sufficient to understand simple verbal instructions and to express basic needs.
• Ability to participate in group based physical activities as judged by clinicians or teachers.
• Written informed consent provided by a legal guardian and assent provided by the child within his or her level of understanding.

Exclusion criteria

• Coexisting severe psychiatric disorders such as psychotic disorders or major mood disorders, or intellectual disability with an intelligence quotient less than 70.
• Uncontrolled epilepsy, or medical conditions that may compromise exercise safety, including but not limited to significant cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, or musculoskeletal disorders.
• Receipt of systematic interventions specifically targeting executive function or regular martial arts or Tai Chi training during the three months prior to enrollment.
• Inability to follow verbal instructions, or marked behavior problems that make participation in group activities unsafe or infeasible, as judged by clinicians or teachers.
• Any other condition that the research team considers likely to interfere with participation in the intervention or with outcome assessment.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Triple Blind

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223 participants in 3 patient groups

Control Group

No Intervention group

Description:

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

Active Comparator group

Description:

Participants will receive a 12 months standard Traditional Tai Chi training (3 sessions/week, 45 mins/session). This group performs the same physical movements as the experimental group but without any gamification, scoring systems, or interactive game scenarios.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Traditional Tai Chi Group

Gamified Tai Chi Group

Experimental group

Description:

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.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Gamified Tai Chi Program