Attentional focus and balance in autism: experimental dataset

This dataset contains experimental data from a study that examined the effects of attentional focus strategies, specifically, internal focus (IF) and external focus (EF), on the acquisition, transfer, and retention of a dynamic balance task in autistic children. Participants performed a series of balance trials on a stability platform (Lafayette Instrument, Model 16030), during which they attempted to maintain the platform within a predefined angular range (±5°) for as long as possible over 20-second trials. The platform's built-in electronic control system measured performance outcomes in terms of time in balance (TIB) and total oscillation. The experimental design included: Acquisition Phase: 6 blocks of 5 trials (30 trials total) with elastic bands providing medium platform resistance. Transfer Test: Conducted 10 minutes after acquisition, with all constraints removed to assess adaptability to novel task conditions. Retention Test: Conducted approximately one week later, under the same conditions as acquisition, to assess performance stability over time. Each participant was randomly assigned to either the IF group, receiving instructions to focus on body movements, or the EF group, receiving instructions to focus on the movement of the platform. The dataset includes demographic variables (age, weight, height, BMI), trial-level performance measures (TIB and total oscillation), and contextual information (attentional focus condition, phase of the experiment, trial number).