The effect of cognitive training on children with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder: A meta-analysis

Abstract

Objective This document is a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effect of cognitive training interventions on attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase from the inception of each database to April 28, 2022. Data were analyzed using Stata 15 software. The risk of bias assessment was conducted using five domains from the Cochrane Collaborations tool. Results A total of 10 studies with 446 children with ADHD were included. The results showed that cognitive training was effective in improving attention symptoms [SMD= −0.78 (95% CI: −1.46, −0.1)] and executive function [SMD = −0.3 (95% CI: −0.56, −0.05)] in children with ADHD compared to controls. No significant difference in the degree of improvement in hyperactivity/impulsivity with cognitive training compared to the control group [SMD = −0.65 (95% CI: −1.35, 0.05)]. In addition, subgroup analyses also found that cognitive training significantly improved attention in children with ADHD <10 years of age [SMD = −1.3 (95% CI: −2.58, −0.02)] and children with ADHD with length of training >30 days [SMD = −0.94 (95% CI: −1.81, −0.07)] compared to controls. Conclusion This meta-analysis found that the beneficial effects of cognitive training on attention (particularly for children with ADHD <10 years old and >30 days of training) and executive function in children with ADHD, but not on hyperactivity/impulsivity.