Studio pilota sull’efficacia di un trattamento computerizzato di riabilitazione delle funzioni esecutive con elementi di gioco per bambini con ADHD in un setting ambulatoriale – Risultati sul funzionamento esecutivo e sui comportamenti ADHD valutati da genitori e insegnanti
Saskia van der Oord, Albert J.G.B. Ponsioen, Hilde M. Geurts, Esther L. Ten Brink, Pier J.M. Prins
This pilot study tested the short- and long-term efficacy (9 weeks follow-up) of an executive functioning (EF) remediation training with game elements for children with ADHD in an outpatient clinical setting, using a randomized controlled wait-list design. Furthermore, in a subsample, that is, those treated with methylphenidate, additive effects of the EF training were assessed. A total of 40 children (aged 8-12 years) were randomized to the EF training or wait-list. The training consisted of a 25-session training of inhibition, cognitive flexibility, and working memory. Treatment outcome was assessed by parent- and teacher-rated EF, ADHD, oppositional deviant disorder, and conduct disorder symptoms. Children in the EF training showed significantly more improvement than those in the wait-list condition on parent-rated EF and ADHD behavior in the total sample and in the subsample treated with methylphenidate. Effects were maintained at follow-up. This pilot study shows promising evidence for the efficacy of an EF training with game elements.
Keywords
ADHD, Child, Executive functioning, Cognitive, Training.