NeuroTrainer for ADHD

Recruiting at 2 trial locations

Overseen By Julie Schweitzer, Ph.D.

Age: < 18

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: NeuroTrainer

Disqualifiers: Suicidality, Psychotic disorders, Severe depression, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 37

Duration: 12 weeks

155 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a VR-based cognitive training program called NeuroTrainer to determine its effectiveness in improving attention and executive function (thinking and planning skills) in students with ADHD. Participants will use the program in 30-minute sessions, three times a week for 12 weeks, engaging in game-like tasks that include physical activity. The program adapts to each student's performance level. Students aged 11-17 with ADHD who do not have severe depression or other major mental health issues might be a good fit. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative research that could enhance cognitive training methods for ADHD.

Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that the NeuroTrainer intervention is safe for students with ADHD?

Research has shown that NeuroTrainer, a virtual reality (VR) tool, aims to improve focus, decision-making, and resilience. Athletes and students have used it, but its safety for people with ADHD remains unclear.

However, as a non-invasive VR program, NeuroTrainer is generally considered safe. Users engage in game-like tasks that adapt to their skill level, ensuring ease of use. No reports of serious side effects have emerged. For any concerns, consulting a healthcare provider may be beneficial. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

NeuroTrainer is unique because it uses a virtual reality (VR)-based cognitive training program to improve attention and executive function in students with ADHD. Unlike standard treatments like medication or behavioral therapy, NeuroTrainer combines game-like tasks with physical activity, making it a more engaging and interactive approach. Researchers are excited about its potential to adapt to each participant's performance level, offering a personalized experience that could enhance its effectiveness.

What evidence suggests that NeuroTrainer is effective for ADHD?

Research has shown that NeuroTrainer, a virtual reality-based program, holds promise for helping students with ADHD enhance their focus and thinking skills. In this trial, participants in the NeuroTrainer intervention arm will engage in VR-based cognitive training designed to boost mental control. Studies have found that this training improves results on tests measuring attention and flexibility, such as the Stroop test. Participants also performed better on tests assessing focus and attention to detail. Additionally, clear improvements in ADHD symptoms were observed after using the training. These findings suggest that NeuroTrainer could be a useful tool for improving focus and managing ADHD symptoms. ^{3 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Jeff Nyquist, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

NeuroTrainer

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for students aged 11-17 who meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, regardless of severity. Participants should have an estimated IQ of 80 or higher and struggle with attention-related difficulties.

Inclusion Criteria

I have been diagnosed with ADHD, regardless of its severity.

My IQ is estimated to be 80 or above.

I am between 11 and 17 years old.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants engage in NeuroTrainer VR-based cognitive training sessions, approximately three times a week for 12 weeks

12 weeks

36 sessions (virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in ADHD symptoms and academic performance

6 months

Assessments at Week 1, Month 2, Month 3, Month 9

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• NeuroTrainer

Trial Overview The NeuroTrainer cognitive training program is being tested to see if it can help improve focus and executive control in young people with ADHD or hyperactivity disorders.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: NeuroTrainer Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The NeuroTrainer intervention involves using a VR-based cognitive training program designed to improve attention and executive function in students with ADHD. Participants will engage in 30-minute sessions, approximately three times a week for 12 weeks, performing game-like tasks that integrate physical activity and adapt to their performance level.

Group II: Control Condition Active Control 1 Intervention

The control condition involves students receiving standard educational interventions without the use of NeuroTrainer. These activities include regular classroom instruction and typical academic tasks designed to support learning, without the additional cognitive training provided by the VR program.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

NeuroTrainer

Lead Sponsor

Trials

2

Recruited

240+

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Collaborator

Trials

3,007

Recruited

2,852,000+

University of California, Davis

Collaborator

Trials

958

Recruited

4,816,000+

Citations

1. reporter.nih.gov reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11006829

A Feasibility and Efficacy Study of NeuroTrainer Cognitive ... Our research aims to demonstrate NT's effectiveness in enhancing cognitive and academic performance, potentially transforming ADHD intervention methods and ...

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06512974

NeuroTrainer Cognitive Training For Academic Focus Primary outcomes include attention and executive function improvements, while secondary outcomes assess ADHD symptoms and academic performance.

3. pediatrics.jmir.org pediatrics.jmir.org/2025/1/e66617

Effectiveness of Virtual Reality–Based Cognitive Control ... Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a newly developed VR-based cognitive control training game for children with ADHD ...

4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12448256/

Effectiveness of Virtual Reality–Based Cognitive Control ... The findings indicate that the VR-based training effectively improved cognitive control on the Stroop test and ADHD-related symptoms as measured ...

5. neurotrainer.com neurotrainer.com/science/

NeuroTrainer Research & Science Labs A significant increased performance in selective attention and observation tests was found after VR training, as well as in inhibitory processes (Stroop and go ...

6. neurotrainer.com neurotrainer.com/

NeuroTrainer - VR Brain Training For Students & Athletes NeuroTrainer combines virtual reality and cognitive training to build new neural pathways in the brain – and get athletes in the zone.

7. neurotrainer.com neurotrainer.com/solutions/athletic-departments/

Cognitive Training For Athletic Departments NeuroTrainer's VR technology is specifically designed to improve focus, decision-making, and resilience among athletes and students alike. NeuroTrainer VR App.

8. neurotrainer.com neurotrainer.com/solutions/high-school-college-teams-coaches/

High School & College Teams A VR cognitive training system designed for coaches to enhance cognitive skills that drive performance. NeuroTrainer combines industry-leading virtual reality ...

9. neurotrainer.com neurotrainer.com/product/

Product Overview (VR Brain Training) NeuroTrainer combines virtual reality, data science and cognitive neuroscience to create a powerful system that improves focus, resilience and mental ...