# A brain-computer interface based attention training program for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Article · Lim CG, Lee TS, Guan C, Fung DS, Zhao Y, Teng SS, Zhang H, Krishnan KR

- Archive id: doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0046692
- Published: 2012-10-24
- Venue: PloS one
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0046692
- PMID: 23115630
- PMCID: PMC3480363
- Citations: 87
- Source URL: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0046692
- PDF: https://europepmc.org/articles/PMC3480363/pdf
- Provenance: europepmc

## Abstract

Unlabelled Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms can be difficult to treat. We previously reported that a 20-session brain-computer interface (BCI) attention training programme improved ADHD symptoms. Here, we investigated a new more intensive BCI-based attention training game system on 20 unmedicated ADHD children (16 males, 4 females) with significant inattentive symptoms (combined and inattentive ADHD subtypes). This new system monitored attention through a head band with dry EEG sensors, which was used to drive a feed forward game. The system was calibrated for each user by measuring the EEG parameters during a Stroop task. Treatment consisted of an 8-week training comprising 24 sessions followed by 3 once-monthly booster training sessions. Following intervention, both parent-rated inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms on the ADHD Rating Scale showed significant improvement. At week 8, the mean improvement was -4.6 (5.9) and -4.7 (5.6) respectively for inattentive symptoms and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms (both p\<0.01). Cohen's d effect size for inattentive symptoms was large at 0.78 at week 8 and 0.84 at week 24 (post-boosters). Further analysis showed that the change in the EEG based BCI ADHD severity measure correlated with the change ADHD Rating Scale scores. The BCI-based attention training game system is a potential new treatment for ADHD. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01344044.

_Abstract reproduced under CC-BY (article license as recorded by Europe PMC; abstract reproduced unmodified apart from markup removal)._

Topics: [Brain-Computer Interfaces](https://space-kitty.com/topics/brain-computer-interfaces)

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