Motor Attention Training for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Not Applicable

Recruiting

• Conditions: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

• Registration Number: NCT02688959
• Lead Sponsor: University of Wisconsin, Madison

Brief Summary

The investigators will perform a feasibility/pilot trial of two non-pharmacological interventions for ADHD in college students.

Detailed Description

College students diagnosed with ADHD will be randomized to three arms of approximately 8 weeks duration: (1) standard care plus a tai chi class, (2) standard care plus an exercise class, and (3) standard care alone. The exercise class will control for the social and motor components of tai chi training. The investigators will determine methodological parameters relevant to a subsequent full scale trial including recruitment and retention rates, acceptance of randomization, adherence to the interventions, and variance in outcome measures. The primary clinical outcome measure of this pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be pre- to post-intervention change in inattention, i.e. the Inattentive Symptoms subscale of the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale self-report long form (CAARS-S:L, see Interviews etc. "Converse_S_L"). Secondary measures to be explored will include self- and informant-report, neurocognitive measures, psychophysiological measures, and academic performance. Practice time will be assessed daily and follow-up self-report of ADHD symptoms will be gathered monthly for 3 months beyond the end of the intervention.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2016-02
• Study First Submitted: 2016-02-18
• Study First Submitted QC: 2016-02-22
• Study First Posted: 2016-02-23
• Status Verified: 2025-05
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-05-29
• Last Update Posted: 2025-06-04
• Primary Completion: 2028-12
• Study Completion: 2028-12

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 145

Inclusion Criteria

• University of Wisconsin-Madison enrolled undergraduate
• Documented ADHD diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

• Unable or unwilling to participate in the interventions

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in symptoms of inattention	8 weeks	Inattentive Symptoms subscale of the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale self-report long form (CAARS-S:L). The total range of scores is 0-27 with higher scores indicating more severe symptom levels.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Feasibility of implementing wireless Electroencephalogram(EEG) to measure the theta beta ratio during performance of tai chi.	up to 90 minute	Feasibility of implementing wireless EEG will be assessed by the quality of EEG data. Acceptable data should have satisfactory signal to noise characteristics. Satisfactory signal to noise ratio will be evaluated by the variance within individual across trials of the ratio of occipital alpha power between the eyes closed and eyes open conditions. Feasibility will be judged by the criterion that the coefficient of variance (CV = s.d./mean) be less than 1/3.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

University of Wisconsin-Madison, Waisman Center; 🇺🇸 Madison, Wisconsin, United States