Spatial Training for Down Syndrome

Overseen By Edward C Merrill, Phd

Age: < 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa

Disqualifiers: Inability to follow instructions, others

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 20

96 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

Based on available literature and our own preliminary research, the researchers have concluded that persons with Down syndrome (DS) exhibit difficulties in utilizing the specific spatial abilities of mental rotation and perspective taking and performing complex spatial tasks such as wayfinding and environmental learning. A weakness in spatial abilities may have many direct applications to daily life, ranging from activities such as tying shoes to using hand tools and navigating the environment. Spatial abilities also serve as a cognitive foundation for many other complex skills such as solving mathematical problems and using spatial language for giving and receiving directions. Moreover, spatial abilities are used in a variety of specialty jobs such as grocery stocking, packaging, and assembling, which are among the most commonly reported jobs for adults with DS. Hence, a new focus on spatial ability and its modifiability in persons with DS is clearly warranted. The primary goal of the research proposed in this application is to evaluate the malleability of mental rotation and perspective taking in people with DS through providing intentional experience with numerous spatial activities. Two groups of participants will be tested over the course of the project: adolescents and young adults with DS and typically developing (TD) children. Following an initial evaluation of performance on the two abilities, participants will receive up to eight sessions of spatial activity experience utilizing puzzle construction, block building, and computer search tasks. Following the experience sessions, spatial abilities of participants will be re-evaluated. These data will be used to investigate two specific aims. First, the researchers investigate whether spatial abilities of persons with DS can be modified by experience with spatial activities. Second, the researchers investigate whether the degree of modification observed for persons with DS can reduce performance differences between them and TD children. The researchers also consider whether performance on the PPVT, Raven's matrices, and Chronological Age are associated with any benefits from spatial ability experience.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for children aged 4-9 years with typical development, and individuals aged 10-25 years with Down Syndrome who have verbal comprehension abilities at or above a 4-year-old level. It aims to help them improve their spatial skills which are crucial for daily tasks.

Inclusion Criteria

I am between 10 and 25 years old and have Down Syndrome.

My child is between 4 and 9 years old and typically develops.

I can understand and use language like a 4-year-old or better.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Initial Assessment

Participants undergo initial assessment including Ravens 2 Matrices, PPVT-4, Mental Rotation, and Perspective Taking assessments

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Spatial Ability Experience

Participants receive 8 weeks of spatial activity experience using puzzle construction, block building, and computer search tasks

8 weeks

8 sessions (in-person)

Mid Assessment

Participants undergo mid assessment including Mental Rotation and Perspective Taking assessments

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Continued Spatial Ability Experience

Participants continue with 8 more weeks of spatial activity experience

8 weeks

8 sessions (in-person)

Final Assessment

Participants undergo final assessment including Mental Rotation and Perspective Taking assessments

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for any long-term effects of the spatial ability experience

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Spatial Ability Experience

Trial Overview The study tests if special activities can enhance spatial abilities in people with Down Syndrome. Participants will do puzzles, block building, and computer tasks over up to eight sessions to see if these exercises can improve mental rotation and perspective taking.

Participant Groups

Group I: Immediate Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will receive 16 weeks of spatial ability experience.

Group II: Delayed Placebo Group 1 Intervention

Participants will receive 8 weeks of verbal ability experience prior to receiving 8 weeks of spatial ability experience.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa

Lead Sponsor

Trials

49

Recruited

17,900+