A Digital Cognitive-Physical Intervention for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Pediatrics
• Digital Health

Background:

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common childhood neurodevelopmental disorder.
• While pharmacotherapy is standard, non-pharmacological interventions like digital and exercise therapies are emerging.
• The combined efficacy of digital and exercise interventions for ADHD requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of BrainFit, a digital intervention integrating gamified cognitive and exercise training.
• To determine if BrainFit can reduce ADHD symptoms and improve executive function (EF) in school-aged children.

Main Methods:

• A 4-week randomized controlled trial involving 90 children (6-12 years) diagnosed with ADHD.
• Participants were assigned to either the BrainFit intervention (n=44) or a waitlist control (n=46).
• Primary outcomes included parent-rated ADHD symptoms (SNAP-IV) and EF (BRIEF), assessed pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• The BrainFit group showed significantly greater improvement in total ADHD symptoms compared to the control group (P<.001).
• Significant reductions were observed in inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, and oppositional defiant disorder symptoms.
• The intervention also led to significant improvements in metacognition and global executive function.

Conclusions:

• The BrainFit digital cognitive-physical intervention demonstrated efficacy in school-aged children with ADHD.
• Further multicenter trials with longer follow-up are recommended to confirm findings and assess treatment durability.