Enhancing task performance in adults with intellectual disability through modified goal management training and assistive technology with errorless learning: A randomized controlled trial

Individuals with intellectual disabilities often fail to learn complex tasks. Modified Goal Management Training (mGMT) or Errorless Learning combined with assistive technology (App + EL) can help. The goal is to demonstrate the effectiveness of mGMT and/or App + EL in learning complex tasks. We employed a randomized controlled crossover design. One group started with mGMT (<i>N</i> = 16), and the other with App + EL (N = 15). We compared their performance with that of a passive control group (N = 15). The training consisted of six sessions of 30 minutes each. Success was analyzed using the Goal Attainment Scale (GAS). Three different tasks were assessed before and after each intervention period: "Practiced", "Non-Practiced", or "Previously Practiced". Generalization was evaluated through neuropsychological tests. Results indicated that both interventions significantly improved "Practiced" tasks compared with "Non-Practiced" tasks and the control group. Crossing the intervention did not interfere with the stable performance on the "Previously Practiced" task. However, starting with mGMT reduced, but did not eliminate, the efficacy of App + EL after crossing, but this pattern was not observed for the reverse sequence. Only the Tower of London task documented improvements related to interventions. In conclusion, the mGMT and App + EL were effective in learning complex tasks and retaining performance after learning a second task.<b>Trial registration:</b> German Clinical Trials Register identifier: DRKS00021674.