Design and evaluation of virtual reality training system for treatment of children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Abstract

Background: Virtual Reality as an emerging paradigm offers efficacious modality of therapy by exposing the patients to experience a real-world environment with similar stimuli. Object: Design and evaluation of a VR-based system for the treatment of children with ADHD Method: The research entails three phases: identifying clinical and technical requirements, designing scenarios based on previous findings, and evaluating treatment outcome. In the evaluation phase, Thirty ADHD children (aged 7-11) were divided into two groups—one receiving standard dose of methylphenidate (MPH) and the other using a VR-based cognitive training system for about two months. Before and after the interventions, both groups were evaluated by conners' parent rating Scales and IVA-2 test. Results: In total, five clinical and technical features were identified which resulted in simulation of a classroom environment with eight exercises and a park environment with one exercise along with a teacher character and three students. Based on the analysis of the data from the evaluation phase, there was no significant difference in the improvement of symptoms between the intervention and control groups in the results of the IVA-2 test (<P0.05). However, in the continuation of results analysis of the CPRS, a significant relationship has been observed, especially in the overall ADHD index(p<0.003). Also, based on the average rating, it was found that the VR group alone had a significant enhancement rate in the factors of attention and impulsivity than the MPH group before and after the interventions. Conclusion: Overall, It can be claimed that cognitive training based on virtual reality compared to drug therapy has a similar effect in improving some symptoms of ADHD children. Considering the limitations, it is possible to use virtual reality to treat certain cases of children with ADHD or to investigate its synergistic effect as an adjunct therapeutic with methylphenidate. Keywords ADHD, Cognitive training, Virtual reality, Methylphenidate, Serious game