Target ADHD Executive Working Memory Replication Study
This study is looking at how a type of training called EWM Training (Executive Working Memory Training) might help teenagers with ADHD. EWM Training uses computer tasks to challenge parts of the brain involved in working memory. There's also a Placebo Training group, which uses computer tasks that are engaging but don't target working memory. Researchers want to see if EWM Training changes brain activity, as measured by fMRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Functional Brain Scan), and if it improves how well participants do on working memory tasks. You might be able to join if you are 12 to 18 years old, have an ADHD diagnosis, speak English, are right-handed, have at least a 5th-grade reading level, and an IQ over 80. The study is currently recruiting participants.
- Study design
- This is an interventional study planning to enroll 130 participants. Participants with ADHD will be randomly assigned to either EWM Training or Placebo Training.
- What's involved
- Participants will train 4 times each week for 5 weeks. Brain scans and working memory task assessments will be done at the start and end of the 5-week training period.
- Compensation
- Not stated in the trial record.
- Follow-up
- Participants will be assessed at the conclusion of the 5 weeks of training.
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Target ADHD Executive Working Memory Replication Study
At a glance
Conditions
Where it's being run
1 sites across 1 statesStudy leadership
- Michael C Stevens, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Institute of Living/Hartford Hospital
Who to contact
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Do you actually qualify for this trial?
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Exclusion
What this trial measures
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Functional Brain Scan using a Seimens 3T Skyra.Change in fMRI measurements from baseline assessment versus 5 weeks at the conclusion of training
fMRI measures of brain activation and functional connectivity - Conventional measures of 'brain activation' are estimated using GLM regression models that fit the fMRI BOLD timeseries data to a model of expected hemodynamic change as elicited by fMRI versions of the executive working memory training task trials. Functional connectivity is assessed using a form of cross-correlation analysis that quantifies how much the entire BOLD timeseries in different brain regions are similar to one another. Our a priori treatment target brain regions are the superior frontal sulcus and mid-lateral prefrontal cortex region of interest. Brain activity and functional connectivity specifically to these regions represent the primary outcome measures of the study.
- Experimental executive working memory training tasks - Reaction TimeChange in scores from baseline assessment versus 5 weeks at the conclusion of training
Reaction time (RT) from training tasks of executive working memory. These are experimental, non-published tasks that were tested in this project for the first time in Phase I: Updating (removal then replacement of stimuli by new information to be maintained in working memory), Shifting (refocusing selective attention on different stimuli held concurrent in working memory without altering contents), distractor Filtering (inhibiting irrelevant information) and Suppression (resolution of proactive interference from initial stimuli to be able to respond optimally to control trials). Trial structure and duration are similar across these tasks. The tasks record RT in milliseconds. Data from active experimental conditions will be log-transformed prior to statistical testing.
- Experimental executive working memory training tasks - Performance AccuracyChange in scores from baseline assessment versus 5 weeks at the conclusion of training
Accuracy (defined as percentage of correct answers from the pool of available items) from training tasks of executive working memory. These are experimental, non-published tasks that were tested in this project for the first time in Phase I: Updating (removal then replacement of stimuli by new information to be maintained in working memory), Shifting (refocusing selective attention on different stimuli held concurrent in working memory without altering contents), distractor Filtering (inhibiting irrelevant information) and Suppression (resolution of proactive interference from initial stimuli to be able to respond optimally to control trials). Trial structure and duration are similar across these tasks. Data from active experimental conditions will be arcsine-transformed prior to statistical testing.