Neurocognitive training for children with and without AD/HD
Abstract
There is accumulating evidence that computerised cognitive training of inhibitory control and/or working memory can lead to behavioural improvement in children with AD/HD. Using a randomised waitlist control design, the present study examined the effects of combined working memory and inhibitory control training, with and without passive attention monitoring via EEG, for children with and without AD/HD. One hundred and twenty-eight children (60 children with AD/HD, 68 without AD/HD) were randomly allocated to one of three training conditions (waitlist; working memory and inhibitory control with attention monitoring; working memory and inhibitory control without attention monitoring) and completed with pre- and post-training assessments of overt behaviour (from 2 sources), trained and untrained cognitive task performance, and resting EEG activity. The two active training conditions completed 25 sessions of training at home over a 4- 5-week period. Results showed significant improvements in overt behaviour for children with AD/HD in both training conditions compared to the waitlist condition as rated by a parent and other adult. Post-training improvements in the areas of spatial working memory, ignoring distracting stimuli, and sustained attention were reported for children with AD/HD. Children without AD/HD showed behavioural improvements after training. The improvements for both groups were maintained over the 6-week period following training. The passive attention monitoring via EEG had a minor effect on training outcomes. Overall, the results suggest that combined WM/IC training can result in improved behavioural control for children with and without AD/HD.
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We are not aware of any studies investigating the unique effects of inhibition training in children with ADHD.
“Moreover, we are not aware of any studies investigating the unique effects of inhibition training in children with ADHD (for studies of combined WM and inhibition training see [28], [29], [30]).”
None of the existing multiple EF training studies in children with ADHD are placebo-controlled.
“none of these studies are placebo-controlled.”
Existing multiple EF training studies in children with ADHD generally show promising results (e.g., improvement of ADHD behavior as rated by parents/teachers; increase of neural activity and gray matter volume in ADHD affected brain areas).
“although these studies generally show promising results (e.g., improvement of ADHD behavior as rated by parents and/or a significant other [e.g., the teacher]; an increase of neural activity and gray matter volume in ADHD affected brain areas)”
Evidence for multiple EF training interventions in children with ADHD is limited.
“To date, evidence for multiple EF training interventions is limited. Few studies have investigated the effects of these interventions in children with ADHD [28], [29], [30], [31], [32], [33]”
Previous EF training studies in children with ADHD have found differential effects on interference control.
“Although some previous EF training studies in children with ADHD have found differential effects on interference control [23], [30]”
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BackgroundMethodResultInfluentialComputerized training of working memory in children with ADHD – a randomized, controlled trial
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“S. J. Johnstone (&) S. Roodenrys R. Blackman E. Johnston K. Loveday S. Mantz M. F. Barratt School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia e-mail: sjohnsto@uow.edu.au Executive functions (EF) are mental processes that facilitate self-control (Geurts et al. 2005).”
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Computer-based Cognitive Training for ADHD
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- Authors
- Johnstone, S. J., Roodenrys, S., Blackman, R., Johnston, E., Loveday, K., Mantz, S., & Barratt, M. F.
- Affiliations
- University of Wollongong (AU)
- Corresponding author
- Johnstone, Stuart J.
- Venue
- ADHD Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders
- Published
- 2011-12-20
- Volume
- 4
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 11-23
- ISSN
- 1866-6116 (ISSN-L)
- 1866-6647
- OpenAlex
- W2056953988
- Cited by
- 109
- References
- 13
- Citations by year
- 2026: 2 · 2025: 6 · 2024: 5 · 2023: 5 · 2022: 8 · 2021: 5 · 2020: 15 · 2019: 12 · 2018: 12 · 2017: 7 · 2016: 6 · 2015: 14 · 2014: 8 · 2013: 4
- FWCI
- 2.63
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Licence
- www.springer.com/tdm (tdm)
- Locations
- ADHD Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Research Online (University of Wollongong) (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Cognitive Abilities and Testing
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology › Developmental and Educational Neuropsychology
- Keywords
- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, neurocognitive training, computerized cognitive training, working memory training, inhibitory control training, sustained attention, distractibility, spatial working memory, children, transfer of training
- MeSH terms
- Attention, Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity, Child, Female, Humans, Inhibition, Psychological, Male, Memory, Short-Term, Psychomotor Performance, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Brain Waves
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