Virtual reality training to enhance behavior and cognitive function among children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: brief report. (18th August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shema-Shiratzky, Shirley; Brozgol, Marina; Cornejo-Thumm, Pablo; Geva-Dayan, Karen; Rotstein, Michael; Leitner, Yael; Hausdorff, Jeffrey M; Mirelman, Anat
• Is Part Of: Developmental neurorehabilitation. Volume 22:Number 6(2019)
• Page Start: 431
• Page End: 436
• Publication Date: 2019-08-18
• Subjects: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder -- child -- executive function -- exercise -- virtual reality therapy; Children with disabilities -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Developmentally disabled children -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; 615.542
• DOI: 10.1080/17518423.2018.1476602
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-8423

Abstract

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.