Exploring <i>N</i>-Back Cognitive Training for Children With ADHD

Abstract

<b>Objective:</b> The efficacy of <i>n</i>-back training for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was tested in a randomized controlled trial. <b>Method:</b> 41 children aged 7 to 14 years with ADHD were trained on an <i>n</i>-back task, and their performance was compared with that of an active control group (<i>n</i> = 39) who were trained on a general knowledge and vocabulary task. <b>Results:</b> The experimental group demonstrated transfer of training to a nontrained <i>n</i>-back task as well as to a measure of inhibitory control. These effects were correlated with the magnitude of training gains. <b>Conclusion:</b> Our results suggest that <i>n</i>-back training may be useful in addressing some of the cognitive and behavioral issues associated with ADHD.