Computer-based inhibitory control training in children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Evidence for behavioral and neural impact

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Kristin N. Meyer, University of North Carolina; Rosario Santillana, University of California, Sacramento; Brian Miller, NeuroScouting, LLC; Wes Clapp, NeuroScouting, LLC; Marcus Way, Amazon; Katrina Goines, Emory University; Margaret A. Sheridan, University of North Carolina
• Language: English
• Date: 2020-11-30
• Publisher: PUBLIC LIBRARY SCIENCE
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2020 Meyer et al.
• License: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0241352
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: PLOS ONE
• Volume: 15
• Issue: 11
• Start Page: e0241352
• End Page: e0241352
• Grant/Funding Information: This study was supported by National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) in the form of grants awarded to MS (K01MH092555) and BM and WC (R43 MH095282), Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in the form of a grant awarded to MS (Cohort 5, Health and Society Scholars at Harvard), and National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships Program in the form of a grant awarded to KM (DGE-1650116). Neuroscouting, LLC. also provided support in the form of salaries for BM and WC.; The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.
• Keywords: POWER; INDIVIDUAL-DIFFERENCES; Multidisciplinary Sciences; WORKING-MEMORY; Science & Technology - Other Topics; METAANALYSIS; COGNITIVE CONTROL; EEG; Science & Technology; UNITED-STATES; TERM SCHOOL OUTCOMES; RESPONSE-INHIBITION; EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS
• Research Categories: Psychology, Cognitive; Biology, Neuroscience

Abstract

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly diagnosed psychological disorder of childhood. Medication and cognitive behavioral therapy are effective treatments for many children; however, adherence to medication and therapy regimens is low. Thus, identifying effective adjunct treatments is imperative. Previous studies exploring computerized training programs as supplementary treatments have targeted working memory or attention. However, many lines of research suggest inhibitory control (IC) plays a central role in ADHD pathophysiology, which makes IC a potential intervention target. In this randomized control trial (NCT03363568), we target IC using a modified stop-signal task (SST) training designed by NeuroScouting, LLC in 40 children with ADHD, aged 8 to 11 years. Children were randomly assigned to adaptive treatment (n = 20) or non-adaptive control (n = 20) with identical stimuli and task goals. Children trained at home for at least 5 days a week (about 15m/day) for 4-weeks. Relative to the control group, the treatment group showed decreased relative theta power in resting EEG and trending improvements in parent ratings of attention (i.e. decreases in inattentive behaviors). Both groups showed improved SST performance. There was not evidence for treatment effects on hyperactivity or teacher ratings of symptoms. Results suggest training IC alone has potential to positively impact symptoms of ADHD and provide evidence for neural underpinnings of this impact (change in theta power; change in N200 latency). This shows promising initial results for the use of computerized training of IC in children with ADHD as a potential adjunct treatment option for children with ADHD.