Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Conditions
Brief summary
Executive functions and metaphonological skills are closely interconnected in supporting language development and learning processes.Investigating this relationship could offer new insights into how executive and metaphonological skills interact, supporting the development of integrated intervention strategies targeting both cognitive and linguistic domains. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a rehabilitation intervention using a virtual reality system (VRRS) in enhancing executive functions and monitoring metaphonological skills in children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).The aim is to explore whether a semi-immersive digital cognitive training protocol can lead to measurable improvements in executive functions, and whether such improvements are associated with gains in metaphonological skills. Participants will present deficits in executive functions and metaphonological skills and will undergo pre- and post-intervention assessments. These assessments include standardized neuropsychological and speech-language pathology tools designed to detect impairments in attention, inhibition, working memory, phonological awareness, and behavior in home and school settings.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALvrrs
The intervention consists of 12 individual sessions using the Virtual Reality Rehabilitation System (VRRS).Each session lasts 45 minutes and is conducted twice a week over a 6-week period. The protocol is designed to stimulate and enhance executive functions such as working memory, inhibition, planning, and attention shifting in ADHD children. The VRRS platform integrates semi-immersive, interactive cognitive exercises in a virtual environment, increasing engagement and motivation. Tasks are progressively adapted to the participant's level and performance.
BEHAVIORALTreatment as usual
Participants will begin the Traditional CBT intervention without the use of virtual reality technology
Sponsors
IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
6 Years to 18 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Children aged 8 to 12 years * Diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) * Attending 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade of primary school * IQ greater than 70 (based on recent cognitive assessment) * Presence of executive function impairment and/or metaphonological difficulties * Availability of a baseline neuropsychological assessment (T0) completed within the last 3 months * Parental consent obtained
Exclusion criteria
* Comorbid diagnosis of specific learning disorders (SLD) * Neurological, genetic, or psychiatric comorbidities other than ADHD * Uncorrected sensory impairments (vision or hearing) * Lack of informed consent
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Nepsy | 6 weeks | NEPSY-II |
| tower of london | 6 weeks | — |
| CMF - Italian Assessment Battery for Metaphonological Skills | 6 weeks | — |
Contacts
CONTACTAdriana Piccolo, PSY
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORPICCOLO
IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, Messina, Italy 98100
Outcome results
None listed