Effects of Cognitive Training on Academic Task Performance in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Impaired WM is a central deficit in ADHD. A computerized training program, Cogmed, has been shown to increase WM capacity in children with ADHD. It is not known whether the training improves behavior associated with classroom learning, such as remaining on-task and inhibiting off- task behavior. The aim of this study is to utilize ecologically valid measures to investigate training's effect on observable ADHD behavior in conjunction with more standard measures. Subjects will be randomly assigned to a Cogmed versus an active placebo condition in which the tasks do not increase in difficulty level in a double-blinded fashion. The effects of the active Cogmed versus placebo computer training will be compared on measures in children with ADHD.

Official Title
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Pilot Testing of Cognitive Training on Academic Task Performance in Children With Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Conditions
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ADHD, Attention

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Cognitive training
* Behavioral: Cognitive training-placebo


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Age range 7-14 At least average academic and intellectual functioning via parent report. Must have ADHD (by parent report of previous diagnosis or per telephone screening checklist - to be confirmed via interview and ratings) Attentional, hyperactive or impulsive symptoms that interfere with functioning. Exclusion Criteria: Diagnosis of severe mental illness for example, psychotic, bipolar or major depressive disorder, (by history) Mental retardation (by history) English is not the primary language Family does not have a computer

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 7 Years
Maximum Age: 14 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Triple


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Cogmed cognitive training<br>Computerized working memory, attention and cognitive tasks | Behavioral: Cognitive training<br>* Cognitive computerized training for several days per week.<br>* Other names: Cogmed;|
| Active Comparator: Active placebo<br>Cognitive training, however the training does not increase in difficulty, or does so to a minimal degree. | Behavioral: Cognitive training-placebo<br>* Cognitive training that only minimally increases in difficulty<br>* Other names: Cogmed placebo;|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Restricted Academic Situations Task | Assessment of on-task type behavior while doing a simulated academic task. | 6 weeks | 
| Working memory measures | Assess memory and working memory functioning on computer and or RA administered tests. | 6 weeks | 
| Rating scales | Parent and teacher ratings of behavior and attention | 6 weeks | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Fluency and attention measures | Measures of fluency and attentional functioning. | 6 weeks | 
| Self-control and executive functioning measures | Attention and working memory components can affect delay discounting and self-control measures. This measure will assess for change in behavior and ratings associated with executive functioning. | 6 weeks | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Cognitive training