Impact of the Cognitive-Functional (Cog-Fun) Intervention on Executive Functions and Participation Among Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Jeri Hahn-Markowitz; Itai Berger; Iris Manor; Adina Maeir

doi:10.5014/ajot.2017.022053

Impact of the Cognitive-Functional (Cog-Fun) Intervention on Executive Functions and Participation Among Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Am J Occup Ther. 2017 Sep/Oct;71(5):7105220010p1-7105220010p9. doi: 10.5014/ajot.2017.022053.

Authors

Jeri Hahn-Markowitz¹, Itai Berger², Iris Manor³, Adina Maeir⁴

Affiliations

¹ Jeri Hahn-Markowitz, PhD, OTR, is Member, Cognitive Functional Rehabilitation Laboratory, School of Occupational Therapy, Hadassah and Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel, and Occupational Therapist, Private Practice, Israel; jerihahnmarkowitz@gmail.com.
² Itai Berger, MD, is Director, Neuro-Cognitive Center, Paediatric Neurology Unit, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
³ Iris Manor, MD, is Medical Director, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Clinic, Geha Mental Health Center, Petah Tikva, Israel.
⁴ Adina Maeir, PhD, is School Chair and Director of Graduate Studies, School of Occupational Therapy, Hadassah and Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.

PMID: 28809658
DOI: 10.5014/ajot.2017.022053

Abstract

Objective: We examined the effect of the Cognitive-Functional (Cog-Fun) occupational therapy intervention on executive functions and participation among children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Method: We used a randomized, controlled study with a crossover design. One hundred and seven children age 7-10 yr diagnosed with ADHD were allocated to treatment or wait-list control group. The control group received treatment after a 3-mo wait. Outcome measures included the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM).

Results: Significant improvements were found on both the BRIEF and COPM after intervention with large treatment effects. Before crossover, significant Time × Group interactions were found on the BRIEF.

Conclusion: This study supports the effectiveness of the Cog-Fun intervention in improving executive functions and participation among children with ADHD.