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Computerized Eye-Tracking Training Improves the Saccadic Eye Movements of Children with
Tsz Lok Lee1, Michael K Yeung2, Sophia L Sze1,3
1Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China.
Insights
Computerized eye-tracking training significantly improved saccadic eye movements in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This non-pharmacological intervention enhanced both accuracy and reaction time in eye movement tasks for affected children.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often exhibit abnormal saccadic eye movements.
- These abnormalities include increased anti-saccade latency and decreased pro-saccade accuracy.
- Saccadic dysfunction may impact cognitive functions and daily activities in children with ADHD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of computerized eye-tracking training as an intervention for improving saccadic eye movements in children with ADHD.
- To compare the effects of eye-tracking training with a control activity (web game playing).
Main Methods:
- Eighteen children diagnosed with ADHD were divided into an experimental group (n=9) and a control group (n=9).
- The experimental group received 240 minutes of eye-tracking training over two weeks.
- The control group engaged in web games for the same duration.
- Saccadic performance was measured using anti- and pro-saccade tasks before and after the intervention period.
Main Results:
- Children in the eye-tracking training group demonstrated significant improvements in saccade latency and accuracy for both anti- and pro-saccade tasks compared to baseline.
- The control group showed no significant changes in saccadic performance.
- Eye-tracking training led to specific enhancements in saccadic eye movements.
Conclusions:
- Computerized eye-tracking training is a promising non-pharmacological intervention for addressing saccadic eye movement deficits in children with ADHD.
- This training method offers a safe and effective approach to improve visual-motor control in this population.
- Further research is warranted to explore long-term effects and broader cognitive benefits.
Abstract:
Abnormal saccadic eye movements, such as longer anti-saccade latency and lower pro-saccade accuracy, are common in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of computerized eye-tracking training on improving saccadic eye movements in children with ADHD. Eighteen children with ADHD (mean age = 8.8 years, 10 males) were recruited and assigned to either the experimental (n = 9) or control group (n = 9). The experimental group underwent an accumulated 240 min of eye-tracking training within two weeks, whereas the control group engaged in web game playing for the same amount of time. Saccadic performances were assessed using the anti- and pro-saccade tasks before and after training. Compared to the baseline, only the children who underwent the eye-tracking training showed significant improvements in saccade latency and accuracy in the anti- and pro-saccade tasks, respectively. In contrast, the control group exhibited no significant changes. These preliminary findings support the use of eye-tracking training as a safe non-pharmacological intervention for improving the saccadic eye movements of children with ADHD.
