Effects of a Novel Neurofeedback Protocol on ADHD Subcomponents
Attention Deficit Disorder With HyperactivityMounting evidence suggests that closed-loop brain-training, commonly known as neurofeedback (NFB), may represent a new therapeutic opportunity for patients with Attentional Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which manifests as difficulties with attention and inhibitory control. In this context, the investigators have focused on an attention-enhancing form of NFB based on the EEG alpha rhythm, known to influence sensory detection and attention. In light of recent evidence showing that both attention and impulsivity can be modified with a single-session of alpha-NFB, the objective is to determine whether these effects stabilize in the long-term, after multiple, daily sessions of training at home. A short- (single-session) and a long-term (multi-session) experimental design will be used to collect EEG, behavioral, and clinical data pre-to-post NFB. The single-blind study will recruit 48 adult ADHD participants randomly assigned to either NEUROFEEDBACK or CONTROL groups. Each participant will undergo individual at home sessions of 45-minute video-replay of popular television (TV) series while recording their 1-channel EEG (30 sessions, 5 sessions/week, 6 weeks total). In the NEUROFEEDBACK group, self-regulation of alpha rhythm will be reflected in the dynamically varying opacity of the video-replay window, i.e. the window would turn lighter/darker and reveal/obscure video content during episodes of low/high alpha amplitude, respectively. In the CONTROL group, the recording will be passive without real-time EEG neurofeedback (i.e. constant brightness and volume). Before and after at home training, each participant will have two visits in the lab: (1) complete clinical and neuropsychological evaluation and (2) EEG session including resting state and task-related EEG before and after a short NFB intervention (30 minutes). For the CONTROL group participants, the latter will be replaced by a sham intervention utilizing non-contingent feedback. Given that stronger alpha rhythmicity is associated with increases in inhibitory/excitatory balance, it is expected that alpha-NFB (i) will homeostatically normalize alpha rhythm power and (ii) the degree of normalization will be a dimensional predictor of individual improvement in behavioral and clinical measures of executive function, impulsivity and inattention. These results should lay the foundation for building neurocognitive treatments, by harnessing neuroplasticity mechanisms intrinsic to the brain.
Brain Tissue Integrity and Autonomic Function Alterations in Childhood OSA and ADHD, and After Adenotonsillectomy....
Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity DisorderAutonomic Nervous System Imbalance1 moreObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are two common, severe disorders in children. Unfortunately, pediatric OSA is closely associated with ADHD, and both diseases can cause cognitive impairment, behavior problems, and low academic performance. OSA can damage the brain and induce autonomic dysfunction, and then cause cognitive, behavioral, and quality-of-life problems. The presence of ADHD can further exacerbate these adverse effects of OSA. Therefore, the identification of robust biomarkers of OSA and ADHD is a key imperative to facilitate early identification of the pathological features and mechanisms and to optimize the treatment of OSA and ADHD for the pediatric population. Diffusion MRI of the brain is one of the most widely used technology for assessment of brain tissue integrity and heart rate variability is one of the most widely used measurements of autonomic function. However, the effects of ADHD and adenotonsillectomy on MRI and HRV biomarkers in children with OSA have not been reported. We hypothesize that comorbid ADHD can deteriorate brain damage and autonomic dysfunction, and adenotonsillectomy can reverse these alternations in children with OSA. The aims of this study are (1) to investigate the differences in pediatric brain tissue integrity, autonomic function, attention, behavior, quality-of-life, and sleep factors between the 'OSA with ADHD', 'OSA without ADHD', and 'healthy control' group; (2) to evaluate the efficacy of adenotonsillectomy versus watchful waiting with supportive care, with respect to the same variables of interest; (3) to evaluate whether the relative efficacy of the treatment differs according to baseline ADHD, weight, or OSA severity; and (4) to develop a predictive model for surgical success rate using both conventional well-known factors and MRI/HRV biomarkers. This is a 3-year prospective study that includes two parts. The Part I study is a cross-sectional study recruiting 100 children (5 to 9 years of age) to investigate the differences in brain tissue integrity (voxel-based morphometry and fractional anisotropy; assessed by structure MRI [T1] for volumetric alternations of gray and white matter, resting-state functional MRI for functional connectivity, and diffusion MRI for white matter integrity), autonomic function (time-domain and frequency-domain analyses; assessed by a wearable, real-time HRV measurement), severity pf attentive and behavioral problems (assessed by the Swanson, Nolan and Pelham IV-Teacher and Parent Rating Scale), quality-of-life (assessed by OSA-18), and sleep factors (apnea-hypopnea index, obstructive apnea index, arousal index, mean and least oxygen saturation, and sleep stage; assessed by polysomnography) between the OSA with ADHD group (Study Group 1; n = 40), the OSA without ADHD group (Study Group 2; n = 40), and the healthy control group (Control Group; n = 20). The Part II study is a randomized controlled trial includes a total of 64 children with OSA (32 children will be recruited from Study Group 1 and Study Group 2, respectively). We randomly assigned (1:1) these 64 pediatric patients with OSA to adenotonsillectomy or a strategy of watchful waiting with supportive care, matched by ADHD, obesity, and severe OSA. Variables of interest using the same methodology are assessed at baseline and at 7 months.
Effectiveness of the Serious Video Game MOON in Emotional Regulation in ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderIntroduction: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder in childhood and adolescence (5%) with associated difficulties and worse prognosis if undetected. Multimodal treatment is the treatment of choice, however, sometimes it can be insufficient or have some drawbacks. Objective: To demonstrate the effectiveness of cognitive training through the video game 'The Secret Trail of Moon' (MOON) in improving emotional regulation of ADHD in people aged 7 to 18 years. Hypotheses: H1: ADHD patients using MOON improve their emotional regulation more than the control group; H2: ADHD patients using MOON improve in symptomatology with respect to the control group; H3: ADHD patients using MOON improve their cognitive abilities than the control group; H4: ADHD patients using MOON improve in academic performance with respect to the control group; H5: The change of platform (face-to-face, online) does not entail differences in emotional regulation; H6: There are no side effects associated with the video game. Methods: Design: prospective, unicenter, randomized, unblinded, PRE-POST intervention study. Randomization of the groups (MOON vs. Control) will be performed by electronic CRD. The MOON intervention will be performed 2 times/week for 10 weeks (30 minutes/session). The first five weeks (10 sessions) will be conducted face-to-face; the remaining weeks will be conducted online at the participants' home. Sample: 152 patients with a clinical diagnosis of ADHD (CGI between 3 and 6) with pharmacological treatment. Evaluation: a data collection notebook will be used to obtain demographic and clinical data. The data will be recorded with electronic CRD (REDCap). Measures to answer the hypotheses will be made through clinical scales for parents and objective tests of cognitive abilities in patients. Additional information on academic performance will be collected. Statistical power analysis: The study has a power greater than 80% to detect differences. Statistical analysis: Classical statistics: T student, 2-factor ANOVA and Mann Whitney analyses will be performed according to the characteristics of each variable. Ethics: The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro on December 14th, 2022. The authorization of the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Health Products was February 14th, 2023. Informed consent will be requested from legal guardians and minors protecting their personal data to the provisions of the Organic Law 3/2018 of 5 December, on Personal Data Protection and guarantee of digital rights.
fNIRS Neurofeedback Training Using Virtual Reality in Children With ADHD
ADHDThe 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.
The Efficacy of Equine Assisted Occupational Therapy, for Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity...
Attention-deficit Hyperactivity DisorderThe goal of this clinical trial is to develop and validate an Equine Assisted Occupational Therapy Intervention for children aged 6-12 with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The research aims to study the effect of an EAOT intervention on cognitive-emotional aspects, daily function and participation among these children using various measurements including physiological measures (EEG, heart rate for rider and horse), questionnaires and different tasks. It aims to enable the creation of an evidence based protocol for professionals in order to provide a better suited therapy for children with ADHD and enable them to live a full life. Participants will enroll in a 12 week EAOT intervention including one session per week of 45 minutes with a waiting period prior the intervention. Participants will go through assessments prior waiting time, prior the intervention and post intervention.
Interventions for English Language Learners At-Risk for ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderThe goal of this clinical trial is to compare the effect of language and behavioral interventions for students who are English language learners and who have symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The main question it aims to answer is: - Which intervention is better for the students: the behavioral intervention, the language intervention, or a combination of the behavioral and language interventions? Participants will be asked to do the following: Participants' parents and teachers will be asked to complete questionnaires about their behavior. Participants will be asked to complete tests assessing language, cognitive, and academic abilities. Members of the research team will complete classroom observations for the participating students. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of four groups: a school as usual group, a language group, a daily report card group, and a combined daily report card and language group. If assigned to the language group, participants will receive an 18-week language intervention. If assigned to the daily report card group, a behavioral consultant will work with participants' parents and teachers to set up a home-school behavior plan called a daily report card. If assigned to the combined daily report card and language group, participants will receive both the language intervention and the daily report card. If assigned to the school as usual group, participants will no study interventions. Researchers will compare the language group, the daily report card group, the combined language and daily report card group, and the school as usual group to see which group has the best language learning and classroom behavior at the end of the program.
PACT Programme for Parents of Children With SHCN
Urologic DiseasesGastrointestinal Diseases6 moreThis randomised controlled trial aims to determine the efficacy of a 12-week, smartphone-based Prosocial-orientated Acceptance and Commitment Training (PACT) programme plus age-appropriate positive parenting advice on the psychological flexibility, prosociality, parenting competence and family functioning with parents of children with special health care needs as well as the mental well-being of parent-child dyads over 12 months follow-up.
Transcranial Photobiomodulation Therapy for the Treatment of Autistic Traits in Children and Adolescents...
AutismAttention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderAn open label trial to assess the safety and efficacy of transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) in improving autistic traits in ADHD youth.
Animal Assisted Intervention With Dogs for Children With ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderThis pilot study aims to replicate results of a previously studied novel, non-pharmacological psychosocial intervention for children with ADHD, utilizing an Animal Assisted Intervention with therapy dogs combined with traditional social skills training (AAI) compared to psychosocial treatment as usual with social skills training alone (TAU). This study also aims to determine if candidate physiological markers of HPA axis and ANS activity differ between groups and if these markers moderate response to the interventions.
New Service Protocol for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder With Comorbidity: A Randomized...
ADHDThe proposed study is to be carried out in 2021 - 2024 with youths aged 6 - 15 in Hong Kong. This is a randomized waitlist-controlled trial that aims to examine the effectiveness of the ADHD+ new service protocol. This ADHD+ new service protocol intervention will be delivered for 6 months in the format of groups by frontline social workers trained by professional clinicians including clinical psychologists and psychiatrists. It is designed to reduce ADHD and related symptoms in individuals aged between 6 and 15 years. Core treatment components include internet use/addiction intervention, cognitive training, emotion management, social skills training, occupational training, emotion support/befriending, parenting training, and career guidance. It is hypothesized that youths receiving the intervention will have reduced ADHD and related symptoms when compared with controls. Findings will allow the investigators to better understand the effectiveness of the new ADHD+ service; and in the long run, the service model can be generalized to community based early interventions for other uncomplicated mental disorders.