Virtual reality training to enhance behavior and cognitive function among children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: brief report

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To examine the feasibility and efficacy of a combined motor-cognitive training using virtual reality to enhance behavior, cognitive function and dual-tasking in children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Methods: Fourteen non-medicated school-aged children with ADHD, received 18 training sessions during 6 weeks. Training included walking on a treadmill while negotiating virtual obstacles. Behavioral symptoms, cognition and gait were tested before and after the training and at 6-weeks follow-up.

Results: Based on parental report, there was a significant improvement in children’s social problems and psychosomatic behavior after the training. Executive function and memory were improved post-training while attention was unchanged. Gait regularity significantly increased during dual-task walking. Long-term training effects were maintained in memory and executive function.

Conclusion: Treadmill-training augmented with virtual-reality is feasible and may be an effective treatment to enhance behavior, cognitive function and dual-tasking in children with ADHD.

KEYWORDS:

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
• child
• executive function
• exercise
• virtual reality therapy

Declaration of interest

Prof. Hausdorff and Prof. Mirelman report having submitted a patent application on the use of virtual reality, the intellectual property rights for which are held by the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center. All other authors report no conflict of interest.

Supplemental material

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