Executive Function Training for ADHD

Overseen By Audrey Carrillo, MA

Age: < 18

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Northeastern University

Must not be taking: ADHD medication

Disqualifiers: Intellectual disability, Autism, Psychosis, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 41

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine how different types of training might improve executive function, the brain's ability to manage thoughts and actions, in adolescents with and without ADHD. The study will explore six training setups, including game-like activities and coaching, to identify the most effective methods for enhancing focus and organization. Teens aged 12 to 17, especially those with ADHD who are not on medication, may be suitable for this trial. Participants will engage in 40 training sessions over four weeks and complete several surveys and tests to track progress. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity for participants to contribute to innovative research that could enhance cognitive training methods for adolescents.

Do I need to stop taking my current medications to join the trial?

Yes, if you are taking ADHD medication or stimulants, you will need to stop taking them to participate in this trial.

What prior data suggests that these executive function training methods are safe for adolescents?

Previous studies have explored different types of N-back training to help with ADHD symptoms. Research has shown that participants generally find N-back training easy to handle. For example, one study found that dual N-back training improved working memory without significant side effects. Another study found that cognitive training, including N-back tasks, improved attention and decision-making skills in children with ADHD.

Regarding gamified versions, studies have shown that adding game-like features does not introduce extra risks. Gamified N-back training has been used effectively and safely to help with ADHD symptoms in children and young adults.

For training involving various types of mental exercises, research indicates it can improve ADHD symptoms without causing harm. Studies have not reported major side effects, suggesting it is safe to try.

When coaching is combined with these training methods, it aims to boost motivation and engagement. Studies on similar programs have shown that coaching is safe and can enhance the effectiveness of cognitive training.

Overall, these treatments are considered safe based on existing research. Participants in past studies handled them well, with no significant adverse events reported. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about these innovative training methods for ADHD because they offer a fresh approach compared to traditional treatments like medication and behavioral therapy. Unlike standard options, these methods utilize gamified and non-gamified N-back tasks, which aim to enhance working memory and executive function through engaging cognitive exercises. The gamified versions, in particular, make use of game-like elements to boost motivation and engagement, potentially improving adherence and outcomes. Additionally, the inclusion of multiple domain training and motivational coaching could provide a more comprehensive and supportive treatment plan, addressing various aspects of cognitive function. These features may lead to more personalized and effective interventions for individuals with ADHD.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for ADHD?

Research has shown that N-back training, whether in a game format or not, can help with certain cognitive and behavioral issues in people with ADHD. In this trial, participants may receive either gamified or non-gamified N-back training. Studies have found that these training methods can improve working memory, which is crucial for better focus and task management. A review found that incorporating game-like features into N-back training can make it more engaging and possibly more effective.

Other participants in this trial will receive Multiple Domain Training, which covers various mental skills and has shown promise in alleviating ADHD symptoms and enhancing important mental processes. Some arms of this trial also include coaching sessions, which might further improve results. Overall, these training methods could be beneficial for managing ADHD symptoms. ^{2 5 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Aaron Seitz, PhD

Principal Investigator

Northeastern University

Susanne Jaeggi, PhD

Principal Investigator

Northeastern University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for children and adolescents who have cognitive impairments or ADHD. Participants must be willing to complete a series of training sessions, tests, and surveys over a period of time including follow-up assessments after 6 months.

Inclusion Criteria

Child and parent/caregiver are able to understand/speak adequate English or Spanish to follow and participate in study procedures

Child must have a caregiver (parent/guardian) who is available to participate as a training aide

Approximately 50% of the participants must meet criteria for ADHD DSM-5 diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Populations considered vulnerable such as wards and those with neurological or other health conditions that may prevent the ability to give informed consent

Participants with color blindness, if they are unable to discriminate the task relevant stimuli

My child is currently on ADHD medication.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Training

Participants complete 40 training sessions over 4 weeks, testing different setups to enhance executive function outcomes

4 weeks

40 sessions (in-person or virtual)

Post-training Assessment

Participants undergo a set of tests and surveys to evaluate changes in psychological and cognitive outcomes

1 week

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for long-term effects with assessments and surveys conducted 6 months after training

6 months

1 follow-up session

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Coaching Session
• Gamified N-back training
• Multiple Domain Training
• Nongamified N-back training

Trial Overview The study is testing six different executive function training setups, including nongamified and gamified tasks, multiple domain tasks, and coaching sessions. It aims to determine which methods are most effective in improving cognitive outcomes for those with and without ADHD.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Non Gamified N-back Training with Coaching Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Participants train on a non gamified version of the N-Back task and will receive weekly, motivational coaching sessions via videoconference.

Group II: Non Gamified N-back Training Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants train on a non gamified version of the N-back task.

Group III: Multiple Domain Training with Coaching Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Participants train on gamified N-back training, Complex Span, Set Shifting, and Inhibitory Control and also receive weekly, motivational coaching sessions via videoconference.

Group IV: Multiple Domain Training Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants train on N-Back, Complex Span, Set Shifting (Polyrules), and Inhibitory Control.

Group V: Gamified N-back Training with Coaching Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Participants train on a gamified version of the N-back task and will receive weekly, motivational coaching sessions via videoconference.

Group VI: Gamified N-back Training Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants train on a gamified version of the N-back task.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Northeastern University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

103

Recruited

72,600+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6445784/

Exploring N-Back Cognitive Training for Children With ADHD Our results suggest that n-back training may be useful in addressing some of the cognitive and behavioral issues associated with ADHD.

2. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1605744/epub

A systematic review and content analysis of serious video ... 1.1 Gamified ADHD treatments. A subset of mental health games is targeted to the symptoms, impairments, or deficits of children and adolescents ...

3. mdpi.com mdpi.com/2076-3425/15/9/998

Boosting Working Memory in ADHD: Adaptive Dual N-Back ... Results: A mixed-design ANOVA revealed significant improvements in DNB performance across all groups, with the adaptive training condition producing larger ...

4. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29877128/

Exploring N-Back Cognitive Training for Children With ADHD Our results suggest that n-back training may be useful in addressing some of the cognitive and behavioral issues associated with ADHD.

5. research.vu.nl research.vu.nl/en/publications/is-gamification-of-neurofeedback-training-effective-for-adhd-trea

Is Gamification of Neurofeedback Training effective for ADHD ... This systematic literature review examines the efficacy of gamification in neurofeedback (NF) therapy approaches for the treatment of ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12536224/

A systematic review and content analysis of serious video ... To better understand specific ADHD game elements, we conducted a systematic review and identified 37 seminal studies, published between February ...

7. journals.sagepub.com journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/21582440211014507

A Comparison of the Effects of Augmented Reality N-Back ... We compared two versions of an n-back training program, differing from the graphical perspective, on the effects of working memory (WM) training and transfer.

8. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S027858462300088X

Remote neurocognitive interventions for attention-deficit ... Here we review the current options for remote neurocognitive interventions to reduce AD/HD symptoms, including cognitive training, EEG neurofeedback training.