The Effect of Virtual Reality Motor Games Interventions in Reducing the Symptoms of Attention Deficit and Impulsivity in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Abstract

Introduction: Virtual reality is one of the new areas of research. The application of this method in normal society has shown positive results. Aim: The purpose of this research was to investigate the role of virtual reality motor games interventions in reducing the symptoms of attention deficit and impulsivity in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Method: The present study is a semi-experimental study with a pre-test-post-test design and a control group. The statistical population included children aged 8-10 years in the 1st district of Mashhad in 2021, and 30 children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder were selected. The SNAP-4 scale (2001), Hirschfeld's Children's Impulsivity Questionnaire (1965) and a virtual reality device were used to collect data. Subjects in the virtual reality group practiced for 30 minutes twice a week for 6 weeks. The data were analyzed using the composite analysis of variance test and SPSS version 20 software. Results: The results showed that the main effects of phases (η2=0.779, F=98.85), group (η2=43.48, 0.608) = F) and the interaction effect of group and phases (η2=0.827, F=133.80) were significant, that is, the virtual reality movement games had an impact on children's impulsivity. The results also showed that the main effect of phases (η2=0.691, F=62.73), group (η2=0.234, F=8.54 F) and the interaction effect of group-phases (η2=0.693, F=63.14) were significant and the virtual reality motor games had an effect on the reduction of attention deficit symptoms (P≤0.05). Conclusion: The research results show that virtual reality games can be used as a suitable educational tool for teaching behavioral skills to children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Therefore, researchers and teachers are recommended to use virtual reality games for these children

Keywords

• behavioral skills
• symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity
• impulsivity