A pilot visual-spatial working memory training protocol in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Abstract

Background: Executive function deficits give rise to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. Visual-spatial working memory (VSWM) is one of the main executive functions that plays a key role in learning at school as well as during everyday life. Rehabilitation of VSWM is needed for ADHD children because several studies have shown the importance of mnemonic training in improving this feature. Objective: This pilot study provides and evaluates a training protocol targeting VSWM in ADHD children. Method: We examined the impact of the protocol on 9 ADHD patients aged 8 -9 years by using 2 tests: the Corsi block-tapping test and the Developmental NEuroPSYchological Assessment memory for faces task during the initial evaluation and after treatment. The protocol is based on 6 training sessions related to the different types of VSWM (sequential in forward and backward orders and simultaneous). Results: Results showed greater scores on all variables from pretest to posttest, with statistically significant differences in each type of VSWM: Means changed from to 3.11 to 6.00 elements in forward order, from 2.55 to 5.55 elements in backward order, and from 14.00 to 24.44 points in the simultaneous working memory. Conclusion: The studied performances improved from the pathological range to the normal range according to age. This protocol was shown to be effective in VSWM rehabilitation in ADHD children, potentially improving executive functioning. Public Significance StatementVisual-spatial working memory is one of the main executive functions, which is the ability to retain and manipulate visual information. This function plays a key role in learning at school as well as during everyday life. A treatment protocol based on six training sessions targeting visual-spatial working memory in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder children aged 8 -9 years enhanced their performances from the pathological range to the normal range, potentially improving executive functioning.