Multi-Component Training Versus Motor Learning Techniques in Adults With ADHD (MCT-MLT)

September 27, 2026 updated by: Riphah International University

Comparative Effects of Multi-Component Training and Motor Learning Techniques on Attention, Cognitive Performance, and Motor Coordination in Adults With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

This randomized clinical trial aims to compare the effects of multi-component training and motor learning techniques on attention, cognitive performance, and motor coordination in adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADHD in adults is associated with impairments in executive function, attention regulation, and motor coordination, which significantly impact daily functioning and quality of life. While pharmacological and behavioral therapies are commonly used, non-pharmacological interventions such as structured exercise and motor learning approaches have shown potential benefits.

A total of 44 participants aged 18-30 years with clinically diagnosed ADHD will be recruited and randomly allocated into two groups. Group A will receive multi-component training including aerobic, resistance, balance, and flexibility exercises, while Group B will receive motor learning techniques focusing on task-oriented and cognitive-motor dual-task training. Both interventions will be administered three times per week for eight weeks.

Outcome measures will include standardized tools assessing attention, executive function, and cognitive performance, including ADHD rating scales and cognitive assessments. Data will be analyzed pre- and post-intervention to determine within-group and between-group differences. This study aims to identify effective, non-pharmacological rehabilitation strategies for improving cognitive and motor outcomes in adults with ADHD.

Study Overview

Status

Not yet recruiting

Conditions

Intervention / Treatment

Detailed Description

Background and Rationale

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, persisting into adulthood in a significant proportion of individuals. Adults with ADHD commonly experience deficits in executive function, attention, working memory, and motor coordination, leading to reduced occupational performance, impaired social relationships, and decreased quality of life.

Although pharmacological treatments such as stimulant medications are widely used, they may not be suitable for all individuals due to side effects, contraindications, or limited long-term effectiveness. Therefore, there is increasing interest in non-pharmacological interventions such as structured physical exercise and motor learning techniques, which may enhance neuroplasticity and improve cognitive and motor outcomes.

Multi-component training integrates aerobic, resistance, balance, and flexibility exercises and has been associated with improvements in executive function, attention, and emotional regulation. Motor learning techniques focus on task-oriented training, repetition, feedback, and cognitive-motor integration to improve coordination and functional performance. However, limited research has directly compared these two approaches in adults with ADHD.

Objective

To compare the effects of multi-component training and motor learning techniques on attention, cognitive performance, and motor coordination in adults with ADHD.

Study Design

This study will be a single-blind, randomized clinical trial.

Participants

A total of 44 participants aged 18-30 years with clinically diagnosed ADHD will be recruited using non-probability convenience sampling. Participants must meet inclusion criteria including confirmed ADHD diagnosis and ability to participate in moderate physical activity.

Randomization and Blinding

Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups using a computer-generated randomization method. Allocation will be concealed using sealed opaque envelopes. The outcome assessor will remain blinded to group allocation.

Interventions

Group A: Multi-Component Training

Participants will undergo a structured exercise program including:

Aerobic training (moderate intensity) Resistance training using light weights or bands Balance and flexibility exercises Sessions will be conducted three times per week for 8 weeks.

Group B: Motor Learning Techniques

Participants will receive:

Task-oriented motor training Cognitive-motor dual-task activities Feedback-based motor learning strategies Sessions will be conducted three times per week for 8 weeks. Outcome Measures

Primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline and post-intervention using standardized tools:

Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS) Stroop Color and Word Test Trail Making Test (Parts A and B) Digit Span Test Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF-A) Data Analysis

Data will be analyzed using SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics will summarize participant characteristics. Normality will be assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test.

Within-group comparisons: Paired t-test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test Between-group comparisons: Independent t-test or Mann-Whitney U test Statistical significance set at p < 0.05 Expected Outcome

This study is expected to determine whether multi-component training or motor learning techniques are more effective in improving attention, cognitive performance, and motor coordination in adults with ADHD. Findings may contribute to evidence-based, non-pharmacological rehabilitation strategies for ADHD management.

Study Type

Interventional

Enrollment (Estimated)

44

Phase

  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Study Contact Backup

Study Locations

  • Pakistan
    • Punjab Province
      • Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan, 54000

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

18 years to 30 years (Adult)

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Genders Eligible for Study

All

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Male and female adults aged 18 to 30 years.
  • Clinically diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
  • Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale score indicating ADHD symptoms.
  • Montreal Cognitive Assessment score less than 26 out of 30.
  • Medically stable and able to participate in moderate physical activity.
  • Not currently participating in any other structured cognitive or physical intervention program.
  • Able to attend supervised sessions three times per week for 8 weeks.
  • Willing to provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • History of systemic or neurological disorders.
  • Currently undergoing treatment for ADHD or participating in similar interventions.
  • Physical limitations preventing participation in physical activity.
  • Severe psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
  • Uncontrolled cardiovascular conditions or medical contraindications to moderate physical activity.
  • Taking medications that significantly alter cognitive or motor performance unless stabilized for at least 3 months.
  • History of substance abuse within the past 12 months.

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Treatment
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: Single

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm
Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Multi-Component Training Group

Participants in this group will receive multi-component training including warm-up, aerobic training, resistance training, balance and flexibility exercises, breathing exercises, and cool-down. Sessions will be conducted three times per week for 8 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 30-40 minutes.
Behavioral: Multi-Component Training

Multi-component training will include warm-up, moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, resistance training using light weights or resistance bands, balance and flexibility exercises, breathing exercises, and cool-down. Sessions will be supervised three times per week for 8 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 30-40 minutes.

Other Names:
  • Exercise Training
  • Multicomponent Exercise Program
Active Comparator: Motor Learning Techniques Group

Participants in this group will receive motor learning techniques including warm-up, task-oriented training, cognitive-motor dual-task activities, feedback-based learning, and cool-down. Sessions will be conducted three times per week for 8 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 30-40 minutes.
Behavioral: Motor Learning Techniques

Motor learning techniques will include warm-up, task-oriented functional motor activities, cognitive-motor dual-task exercises, feedback-based learning, and cool-down. Sessions will be supervised three times per week for 8 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 30-40 minutes.

Other Names:
  • Task-Oriented Training
  • Cognitive-Motor Dual-Task Training

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scale
Time Frame: 8 weeks of treatment (Pre & Post)

Adult ADHD symptom severity will be assessed using the Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS).
8 weeks of treatment (Pre & Post)

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Purdue Pegboard Test
Time Frame: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 8-week intervention

Dominant-hand motor coordination and manual dexterity will be assessed using the Purdue Pegboard Test.
Baseline and immediately after completion of the 8-week intervention
Trial Making Test
Time Frame: 8 weeks of intervention (Pre & Post)

Performance was assessed by noting the overall completion time for each segment in seconds
8 weeks of intervention (Pre & Post)

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Riphah International University

Investigators

  • Principal Investigator: Wajeeha zia, Riphah International University Role

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Estimated)

September 10, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

December 10, 2026

Study Completion (Estimated)

December 10, 2026

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

June 1, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

September 27, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

September 29, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

September 29, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

September 27, 2026

Last Verified

September 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

  • AIMEN-ABBAS

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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