Shirley Shema-Shiratzky, Marina Brozgol , Pablo Cornejo-Thumm, Karen Geva-Dayan, Michael Rotstein , Yael Leitner, Jeffrey M Hausdorff, Anat Mirelman
Overview
Using virtual reality, we examined the feasibility and effectiveness of combining motor-cognitive training with dual-tasking in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Approaches:
During six weeks, 14 non-medicated school-aged children with ADHD attended 18 training sessions. Participants walked on a treadmill while negotiating virtual obstacles. Before and after the training, and at 6-week follow-up, behavioral symptoms, cognition, and gait were assessed.
Results:
Parents reported significant improvements in children’s social problems and psychosomatic behavior after the training. Memory and executive function improved but attention remained untouched. There was a significant increase in gait regularity during dual-task walking. The long-term effects of training were maintained in memory and executive function.
Conclusion:
Adding virtual reality to treadmill training may enhance behavior, cognitive function and dual-tasking in children with ADHD.
The V-TIME academic research project that has led to many of these papers is implemented commercially by GaitBetter.