A brain-computer interface based attention training program for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Choon Guan Lim, Tih Shih Lee, Cuntai Guan, Daniel Shuen Sheng Fung, Yudong Zhao, Stephanie Sze Wei Teng, Haihong Zhang, K Ranga Rama Krishnan, Choon Guan Lim, Tih Shih Lee, Cuntai Guan, Daniel Shuen Sheng Fung, Yudong Zhao, Stephanie Sze Wei Teng, Haihong Zhang, K Ranga Rama Krishnan

Abstract

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms can be difficult to treat. We previously reported that a 20-session brain-computer interface (BCI) attention training programme improved ADHD symptoms. Here, we investigated a new more intensive BCI-based attention training game system on 20 unmedicated ADHD children (16 males, 4 females) with significant inattentive symptoms (combined and inattentive ADHD subtypes). This new system monitored attention through a head band with dry EEG sensors, which was used to drive a feed forward game. The system was calibrated for each user by measuring the EEG parameters during a Stroop task. Treatment consisted of an 8-week training comprising 24 sessions followed by 3 once-monthly booster training sessions. Following intervention, both parent-rated inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms on the ADHD Rating Scale showed significant improvement. At week 8, the mean improvement was -4.6 (5.9) and -4.7 (5.6) respectively for inattentive symptoms and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms (both p<0.01). Cohen's d effect size for inattentive symptoms was large at 0.78 at week 8 and 0.84 at week 24 (post-boosters). Further analysis showed that the change in the EEG based BCI ADHD severity measure correlated with the change ADHD Rating Scale scores. The BCI-based attention training game system is a potential new treatment for ADHD.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01344044.

Conflict of interest statement

Competing Interests: The project was supported by a grant from the Institute of Infocomm Research, the developer of the BCI-based attention training game and a co-investigator on this project. The BCI-based attention training game system has been licensed by Atentiv Inc and the authors have made consultations with Atentiv Inc. This does not alter the authors’ adherence to all the PLOS ONE policies on sharing data and materials.

Figures

Figure 1. CONSORT flow diagram.
Figure 1. CONSORT flow diagram.
Figure 2. A model engaged in intervention…
Figure 2. A model engaged in intervention with the Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) attention training game system.
Figure 3. Mean ADHD Rating Scale IV…
Figure 3. Mean ADHD Rating Scale IV (ARS-IV) Scores as rated by parents.
Figure 4. Correlations between change in BCI…
Figure 4. Correlations between change in BCI and BCI ADHD Severity Measure (BASM) scores from Week 0 to 20.

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Source: PubMed

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