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Influence of rhythmic music game intervention on executive function and sensorimotor ability of children with
1College of Preschool Education and Arts, Henan Vocational College of Logistics, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
Insights
Rhythmic music games significantly improve executive functions and sensorimotor skills in children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This non-pharmacological intervention offers a promising, engaging approach to support ADHD symptom management and overall child development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) impacts executive functions and sensorimotor abilities in children.
- Non-pharmacological interventions are sought to complement traditional ADHD management strategies.
- Rhythmic music engagement shows potential for cognitive and motor skill enhancement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a rhythmic music game-based intervention for improving executive functions and sensorimotor abilities in children with ADHD.
- To provide evidence supporting non-pharmacological, engaging therapeutic options for ADHD.
- To assess the impact on core ADHD symptoms and overall child health.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 64 children diagnosed with ADHD.
- Intervention group: 8-week rhythmic music game program (tablet-based, 3x/week).
- Control group: Routine health education. Assessments included Stroop Color Word Test (SCWT), Trail Making Test (TMT), Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD-3), and ADHD Rating Scale (ARS-5).
Main Results:
- The intervention group showed significant improvements in inhibitory control (SCWT), cognitive flexibility (TMT Part B), and sensorimotor coordination (TGMD-3).
- Significant reductions in ADHD core symptoms (ARS-5 total and subscale scores) were observed in the intervention group.
- The control group showed no significant changes; between-group comparisons favored the intervention group.
Conclusions:
- Rhythmic music game intervention effectively enhances executive functions, including inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility, in children with ADHD.
- The intervention also significantly improves sensorimotor coordination and reduces ADHD symptom severity.
- This engaging and accessible approach shows promise as a valuable component of multidisciplinary ADHD interventions.
Objective:
To investigate the effectiveness of rhythmic music game-based intervention in improving executive functions and sensorimotor abilities among children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), thereby providing evidence-based support for non-pharmacological interventions and promoting children's health.
Methods:
A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 64 children diagnosed with ADHD, who were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n = 32) or a control group (n = 32). The control group received routine health education, while the intervention group additionally participated in an 8-week rhythmic music game program delivered via tablet devices, consisting of three 40-min sessions per week that included tasks such as beat synchronization and rhythm creation. Executive function and sensorimotor abilities were assessed before and after the intervention using the Stroop Color Word Test (SCWT), Trail Making Test (TMT), and the Test of Gross Motor Development, Third Edition (TGMD-3). At the same time, the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder rating scale (ARS-5) was used to evaluate the severity of the core symptoms of ADHD in children.
Results:
In the intervention group, post-intervention assessments showed significant reductions in SCWT word-meaning interference errors (p < 0.001) and shorter completion times on TMT Part B (p < 0.001). The total score of ARS-5 scale and the scores of each dimension decreased significantly (p < 0.001). TGMD-3 total scores also significantly improved (p < 0.001), particularly in the locomotor and object-control subdomains reflecting coordination ability (p < 0.001). No significant changes were observed in the control group across any measures (p > 0.05). Between-group comparisons of pre-post differences revealed statistically significant effects favoring the intervention group (p < 0.01).
Conclusion:
Rhythmic music game intervention effectively enhances inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, and sensorimotor coordination in children with ADHD. Given its engaging nature and accessibility, it holds promise as a valuable component within multidisciplinary intervention strategies, offering a practical approach to supporting the healthy development of children with ADHD.
