Effectiveness of Neurofeedback With Selected Training Program on Motor Function, Anxiety, and Sleep Habits in Children With Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Abstract

Background and Aims Today, young children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have a variety of developmental disorders and problems, including developmental coordination disorder, anxiety, and sleep disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of neurofeedback combined with a selected exercise program on motor function, anxiety, and sleep in children with ADHD. Methods In the current study, 20 children aged 7 to 9 years with ADHD who had normal intelligence were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group underwent neurofeedback and physical activity training for 24 sessions of 45 minutes for one session. The experimental group was randomly divided into two groups, of whom five cases started their training sessions with neurofeedback and five cases started with physical activity. The control group performed their normal daily activities during this period. In the pre-test and post-test, the Bruininks-Oseretsky motor proficiency test was used to measure motor performance, the Child Behavior Checklist was used to measure anxiety, and the Child Sleep Habit Questionnaire was used to measure sleep habits. Data obtained from the present study were analyzed using analysis of covariance and SPSS v. 25 statistical software. Results The results showed that there was a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in the scores of motor function, anxiety, and sleep habits (P=0.001). Conclusion Combined exercises can be useful in improving motor function, anxiety, and sleep habits in children with ADHD.

Keywords

• attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
• anxiety
• sleep habits
• motor function
• neurofeedback