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Coherence training in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: cognitive functions and behavioral

Anthony Lloyd1, David Brett, Keith Wesnes

  • 1ADHD Foundation, Liverpool, United Kingdom. tonylloyd50@hotmail.com

Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine
|July 27, 2010
PubMed

Insights

The HeartMath program improved cognitive function and behavior in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This self-regulation training offers a school-based, physiologically-based intervention for ADHD.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Psychology
  • Neuroscience
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common childhood behavioral diagnosis.
  • Effective interventions for children with ADHD are a growing concern for educators and childcare providers.
  • The need for non-pharmacological interventions for ADHD is increasing.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of the HeartMath self-regulation and coherence training program on children with ADHD.
  • To assess the program's effectiveness in improving cognitive functioning and behavior in a school setting.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial involving 38 children in academic years 6, 7, and 8 diagnosed with ADHD.
  • Utilized the HeartMath program with heart rhythm coherence monitoring and feedback technology.
  • Assessed cognitive functioning using the Cognitive Drug Research system and behavioral changes via teacher and student reports.

Main Results:

  • Significant improvements were observed in cognitive functions, including delayed and immediate word recall, word recognition, and episodic secondary memory.
  • Participants also showed significant improvements in reported behavior.
  • The intervention demonstrated positive effects on both cognitive and behavioral outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • The HeartMath program provides a physiologically-based intervention for improving cognitive functioning in children with ADHD.
  • The training effectively enhances behaviors relevant to the school environment.
  • This self-regulation program is suitable for implementation in schools to support children with ADHD.

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