Testing a cognitive-motor dual-task training for autistic children on anticipatory and reactive brain processing, and behavior: A pilot study

Background and aims: This study investigated motor, cognitive, and brain function in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to evaluate the feasibility of a 12-week cognitive-motor dual-task (CMDT) training program aimed at exploring task-related behavioral and neural changes in comparison with typically developing (TD) peers. Methods: Twenty-one participants (10 ASD, 11 TD; ages 10–14) were recruited. The ASD group underwent a twice-weekly CMDT session, while the TD group was assessed twice to monitor for learning and developmental effects. Pre- and post-training evaluations included motor tests, cognitive and behavioral measures, and event-related potential (ERP) measures during a visuomotor task. Results: The ASD group showed improvements in motor skills and response speed (p < 0.05), getting closer to TD children. ERP indicated significant post-training increases (p < 0.01) in the Bereitschaftspotential (BP) and visual negativity (vN), suggesting changes in motor and sensory readiness. The N1 component, commonly linked to attentional processing, was consistently larger in the ASD group (p < 0.01), suggesting heightened sensitivity to visual stimuli. The P3 amplitudes, initially minimal in the ASD group, increased (p < 0.05) following training, which may reflect changes in task-related neural processing. Conclusion: These findings suggest that CMDT was associated with changes in motor performance and task-related measures in children with ASD, possibly reflecting changes in brain processes related to anticipation, attention, and cognitive integration.