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

NCT ID: NCT07322952

Last Updated: 2026-01-07

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 223 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2025-02-01
• Study Completion Date: 2026-02-01

Brief Summary

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.

Conditions

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD

Study Design

• Allocation Method: RANDOMIZED
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Primary Study Purpose: TREATMENT
• Blinding Strategy: TRIPLE

Study Groups

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).

Group Type: NO_INTERVENTION

No interventions assigned to this group

Traditional Tai Chi Group

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.

Group Type: ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

Traditional Tai Chi Group

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

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.

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.

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Gamified Tai Chi Program

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

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.

Interventions

Gamified Tai Chi Program

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.

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Traditional Tai Chi Group

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.

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Eligibility Criteria

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.

• Minimum Eligible Age: 8 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 15 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Sponsors

Chaozhou Special Education School

UNKNOWN

Sponsor Role: collaborator

Jinan University Guangzhou

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Ma Ruisi

Lecturer, School of Physical Education, Jinan University

Responsibility Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Locations

Chaozhou Special Education School

Chaozhou, Gaungdong, China

Countries

China

Other Identifiers

2025LCLL-141

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id