A 5-week Digital Intervention to Reduce Attention Problems in Children With ADHD: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective:

Growing evidence suggests digital interventions may provide neurocognitive benefits for children with ADHD. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a digital attention intervention in children with ADHD.

Method:

In this double-blind randomized controlled trial 55 children with ADHD (5–9 years) were allocated to the intervention (N = 28) or control program (N = 27). Both programs were delivered via touchscreen tablets at home 5 days a week for 5 weeks. The primary outcome was change in the Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA) Attention Comparison Score (ACS) from pre- to post-intervention.

Results:

Participants who received the intervention had significantly greater improvements in the TOVA ACS from pre- to post-intervention than those in the control (p < .044). No intervention effects were observed on secondary outcomes assessing executive functioning, ADHD symptoms, or functional impairment.

Conclusion:

Collectively these findings provide insufficient evidence for the implementation of digital attention interventions for children with ADHD.

Keywords

ADHD attention digital therapeutic early intervention cognition children

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