COGMED working memory training in children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A feasibility study in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Working memory training has been proven effective for improving cognitive functioning in patients with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However, the feasibility of this type of training for children in Saudi Arabia has not been previously explored. We investigated the feasibility of implementing Cogmed Working Memory Training (CWMT) in a sample of 29 Saudi children with ADHD. We found no significant demographic or clinical differences between compliant and noncompliant children. Although compliant children were initially better at following instructions and reported better improvements in working memory and math skills compared to those who did not complete the CWMT, all children who participated in the program showed improvements in performing the CWMT tasks. Most parents found the Cogmed training feasible for their children, were satisfied and keen to continue with the program, and felt the training helped them to address their problems. Most children did not encounter any difficulties in using the software, and many families were, therefore, likely to continue using the techniques from the program. We conclude that CWMT for children with ADHD is feasible in Saudi Arabia. Larger case-controlled studies are needed to thoroughly investigate the effects of CWMT compared to other interventions in Saudi children with ADHD.

Keywords:

• ADHD
• Cogmed
• cognitive training
• feasibility
• working memory

Institutional review board statement

The study was conducted according to the guidelines of the Unit of Biomedical Ethics at King Abdelaziz University (ID number_388-19/21 May 2019).

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Solafah H. Ghoneim for her help in recruiting participants for the study.

Disclosure statement

No potential competing interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

Data and additional information about the study will be available upon request to the corresponding author.