Effectiveness of Technology-Based Interventions for School-Age Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

Background: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is relatively common among school-age children. Technology-based interventions, such as computer-assisted training programs, neurofeedback training, and virtual reality, show promise in regulating the behaviors and cognitive functions of children with ADHD. An increasing number of randomized controlled trials have been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of these technologies in improving the conditions of children with ADHD.

Objective: This study aims to conduct a systematic review of technological interventions for school-age children with ADHD and perform a meta-analysis of the outcomes of technology-based interventions.

Methods: A total of 19 randomized controlled studies involving 1843 participants were selected from a pool of 2404 articles across 7 electronic databases spanning from their inception to April 2022. ADHD behaviors, cognitive functions, learning ability, and quality of life were addressed in this study.

Results: Random effects meta-analyses found that children with ADHD receiving technology-based intervention showed small and significant effect sizes in computer-rated inattention (standardized mean difference [SMD] -0.35; P<.04), parent-rated overall executive function measured by the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (SMD -0.35; P<.04), parent-rated disruptive behavior disorder measured by the Child Behavior Checklist (SMD -0.50; P<.001) and Disruptive Behavior Disorder Rating Scale (SMD -0.31; P<.02), and computer-rated visual attention measured by the Continuous Performance Test (SMD -0.42; P<.001) and Reaction Time (SMD -0.43; P<.02).

Conclusions: Technology-based interventions are promising treatments for improving certain ADHD behaviors and cognitive functions among school-age children with ADHD.

Trial registration: PROSPERO CRD42023446924; https://tinyurl.com/7ee5t24n.

Keywords: ADHD; attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; cognitive functions; computer-assisted training program; neurofeedback training; school-age children; virtual reality.