The study aims to explore the effectiveness of neurofeedback training on improving attention and inhibitory control of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in Hong Kong. This study will contribute to the current understanding of the alternative treatments for ADHD, and hopefully help to mobilize more resources to support children with ADHD. The programme includes the following components: Participants will be randomly assigned to the neurofeedback training group (with virtual reality \[VR\] technology applied), the computerized cognitive training group, or the waitlist control group. All participants will complete a total of 16 training sessions in 8 weeks (twice a week), and each session will last around 35 to 60 mins. To investigate the intervention effectiveness, children will be asked to complete a set of cognitive tests covering inhibitory control, attention, and working memory prior to the intervention (i.e., Time 1), immediately after the 8-week training (i.e., Time 2), and 2 months after the training (i.e., Time 3, a 2-month follow up). The assessment will take around 1 hour and it will be conducted at the laboratory at the University of Hong Kong. Also, parents and teachers will be asked to complete a questionnaire assessing children's behaviours at home and schools at 3 timepoints.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
138
In the fNIRS Neurofeedback-VR Training, we have designed a classroom scenario modeled and children are expected to learn how to regulate their attention based on the feedback provided by the fNIRS on the oxygenated haemoglobin level in their prefrontal cortex.
In the Computerized Cognitive Training, children will complete a range of tasks covering attention control and working memory using a conventional training programme, namely Cogmed.
The University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Conners Continuous Performance Test 3rd Edition (CPT 3)
A standardized computerized test on sustained attention and inhibitory control
Time frame: Pre-intervention Assessment (within 4 weeks before the commencement of the intervention)
Conners Continuous Performance Test 3rd Edition (CPT 3)
A standardized computerized test on sustained attention and inhibitory control
Time frame: Immediate Post-intervention Assessment (within 4 weeks after the completion of the intervention)
Conners Continuous Performance Test 3rd Edition (CPT 3)
A standardized computerized test on sustained attention and inhibitory control
Time frame: Delayed Post-intervention Assessment (a 2-month follow up after the completion of the intervention)
Number subtest of Children's Memory Scale (CMS)
A verbal working memory test using digit span, with a higher score indicating a higher level of verbal working memory. The total score of this test ranges from 0 to 30.
Time frame: Pre-intervention Assessment (within 4 weeks before the commencement of the intervention)
Number subtest of Children's Memory Scale (CMS)
A verbal working memory test using digit span, with a higher score indicating a higher level of verbal working memory. The total score of this test ranges from 0 to 30.
Time frame: Immediate Post-intervention Assessment (within 4 weeks after the completion of the intervention)
Number subtest of Children's Memory Scale (CMS)
A verbal working memory test using digit span, with a higher score indicating a higher level of verbal working memory. The total score of this test ranges from 0 to 30.
Time frame: Delayed Post-intervention Assessment (a 2-month follow up after the completion of the intervention)
Opposite Worlds subtest of the Test of Everyday Attention for Children (TEA-CH)
A measure of attentional control/switching that requires the child to make cognitive reversals.
Time frame: Pre-intervention Assessment (within 4 weeks before the commencement of the intervention)
Opposite Worlds subtest of the Test of Everyday Attention for Children (TEA-CH)
A measure of attentional control/switching that requires the child to make cognitive reversals.
Time frame: Immediate Post-intervention Assessment (within 4 weeks after the completion of the intervention)
Opposite Worlds subtest of the Test of Everyday Attention for Children (TEA-CH)
A measure of attentional control/switching that requires the child to make cognitive reversals.
Time frame: Delayed Post-intervention Assessment (a 2-month follow up after the completion of the intervention)
Creature Counting subtest of the Test of Everyday Attention for Children (TEA-CH)
A measure of attentional control and switching that requires children to repeatedly switch between two simple activities, counting upward and counting downward.
Time frame: Pre-intervention Assessment (within 4 weeks before the commencement of the intervention)
Creature Counting subtest of the Test of Everyday Attention for Children (TEA-CH)
A measure of attentional control and switching that requires children to repeatedly switch between two simple activities, counting upward and counting downward.
Time frame: Immediate Post-intervention Assessment (within 4 weeks after the completion of the intervention)
Creature Counting subtest of the Test of Everyday Attention for Children (TEA-CH)
A measure of attentional control and switching that requires children to repeatedly switch between two simple activities, counting upward and counting downward.
Time frame: Delayed Post-intervention Assessment (a 2-month follow up after the completion of the intervention)
Functional NIRS
The levels of oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin of the prefrontal cortex will be measured throughout the training sessions and direct assessments using functional NIRS.
Time frame: Pre-intervention Assessment (within 4 weeks before the commencement of the intervention)
Functional NIRS
The levels of oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin of the prefrontal cortex will be measured throughout the training sessions and direct assessments using functional NIRS.
Time frame: Up to 8 to 10 weeks (within the intervention period)
Functional NIRS
The levels of oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin of the prefrontal cortex will be measured throughout the training sessions and direct assessments using functional NIRS.
Time frame: Immediate Post-intervention Assessment (within 4 weeks after the completion of the intervention)
Functional NIRS
The levels of oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin of the prefrontal cortex will be measured throughout the training sessions and direct assessments using functional NIRS.
Time frame: Delayed Post-intervention Assessment (a 2-month follow up after the completion of the intervention)
Children's ADHD symptoms
Parents and teachers will be asked to complete the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham Version IV Scale (SNAP-IV) measuring children's inattentive, hyperactive and impulsive symptoms with a 4-point Likert scale (ranges from 0 to 3). The minimum total score is 0 while the maximum total score is 78, with a higher score indicating a higher level of inattentive, hyperactive and impulsive symptoms.
Time frame: Pre-intervention Assessment (within 4 weeks before the commencement of the intervention)
Children's ADHD symptoms
Parents and teachers will be asked to complete the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham Version IV Scale (SNAP-IV) measuring children's inattentive, hyperactive and impulsive symptoms with a 4-point Likert scale (ranges from 0 to 3). The minimum total score is 0 while the maximum total score is 78, with a higher score indicating a higher level of inattentive, hyperactive and impulsive symptoms.
Time frame: Immediate Post-intervention Assessment (within 4 weeks after the completion of the intervention)
Children's ADHD symptoms
Parents and teachers will be asked to complete the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham Version IV Scale (SNAP-IV) measuring children's inattentive, hyperactive and impulsive symptoms with a 4-point Likert scale (ranges from 0 to 3). The minimum total score is 0 while the maximum total score is 78, with a higher score indicating a higher level of inattentive, hyperactive and impulsive symptoms.
Time frame: Delayed Post-intervention Assessment (a 2-month follow up after the completion of the intervention)
Behavioural ratings on children's executive functions
Parents and teachers will be asked to complete Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, Second Edition (BRIEF2) measuring a range of executive functions, including behavioural, emotional and cognitive regulation
Time frame: Pre-intervention Assessment (within 4 weeks before the commencement of the intervention)
Behavioural ratings on children's executive functions
Parents and teachers will be asked to complete Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, Second Edition (BRIEF2) measuring a range of executive functions, including behavioural, emotional and cognitive regulation
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Time frame: Immediate Post-intervention Assessment (within 4 weeks after the completion of the intervention)
Behavioural ratings on children's executive functions
Parents and teachers will be asked to complete Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, Second Edition (BRIEF2) measuring a range of executive functions, including behavioural, emotional and cognitive regulation
Time frame: Delayed Post-intervention Assessment (a 2-month follow up after the completion of the intervention)