A Digital Cognitive-Physical Intervention for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Randomized Controlled Trial

• DOI: 10.2196/55569
• Publication Date: 2024-05-10T15:00:46Z
• Authors: Licong Zhao; Heather Agazzi; Yasong Du; Hongdao Meng; Renya Maku; Ke Li; Peter Aspinall; Cynthia Wilson Ga...; Shuanfeng Fang
• Keywords: Male; Original Paper; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Computer applications to medicine. Medical informatics; R858-859.7; Exercise Therapy; Executive Function; 03 medical and health sciences; Treatment Outcome; 0302 clinical medicine; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; Humans; Female; Prospective Studies; Public aspects of medicine; RA1-1270; Child

Background Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders among children. Pharmacotherapy has been primary treatment for ADHD, supplemented by behavioral interventions. Digital and exercise interventions are promising nonpharmacologic approaches enhancing physical psychological health children with ADHD. However, combined impact digital therapies remains unclear. Objective The aim this study was to determine whether BrainFit, a novel intervention combining gamified cognitive training, efficacious in reducing ADHD symptoms executive function (EF) school-aged Methods This 4-week prospective randomized controlled trial included 90 (6-12 years old) who visited outpatient clinic met diagnostic criteria participants were (1:1) BrainFit (n=44) or waitlist control (n=46) between March August 2022. consisted 12 30-minute sessions delivered on an iPad over 4 weeks 3 per week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday after school) under supervision trained staff. outcomes parent-rated attention hyperactivity assessed according Swanson, Nolan, Pelham questionnaire (SNAP-IV) rating scale EF skills Behavior Rating Inventory Executive Function (BRIEF) scale, evaluated pre post intervention. Intention-to-treat analysis performed 80 attrition. A nonparametric resampling-based permutation test used hypothesis testing effects. Results Among 145 inclusion criteria, consented randomized; ultimately, (88.9%) completed analysis. participants’ average age 8.4 (SD 1.3) years, including 63 (78.8%) male participants. subtype hyperactive/impulsive (54/80, 68%) 23 (29%) had severe symptoms. At endpoint study, group significantly larger improvement total (SNAP-IV score) as compared those (β=–12.203, 95% CI –17.882 –6.523; P<.001), owing lower scores subscales Inattention (β=–3.966, –6.285 –1.647; Hyperactivity/Impulsivity (β=–5.735, –8.334 –3.137; Oppositional Defiant Disorder (β=–2.995, –4.857 –1.132; P=.002). associated significant reduction Metacognition Index (β=–6.312, –10.973 –1.650; P=.006) Global Composite (β=–5.952, –10.214 –1.690; P=.003) BRIEF. No intervention-related adverse events reported. Conclusions cognitive-physical school-age multicenter effectiveness longer follow-up warranted confirm these findings assess durability Trial Registration Chinese Clinical Register ChiCTR2300070521; https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=177806