title: A pilot study of the efficacy of a computerized executive functioning remediation training with game elements for children with ADHD in an outpatient setting: outcome on parent- and teacher-rated executive functioning and ADHD behavior.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This pilot study tested the short- and long-term efficacy (9 weeks follow-up) of an executive functioning (EF) remediation training with game elements for children with ADHD in an outpatient clinical setting, using a randomized controlled wait-list design. Furthermore, in a subsample, that is, those treated with methylphenidate, additive effects of the EF training were assessed.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 40 children (aged 8-12 years) were randomized to the EF training or wait-list. The training consisted of a 25-session training of inhibition, cognitive flexibility, and working memory. Treatment outcome was assessed by parent- and teacher-rated EF, ADHD, oppositional deviant disorder, and conduct disorder symptoms.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Children in the EF training showed significantly more improvement than those in the wait-list condition on parent-rated EF and ADHD behavior in the total sample and in the subsample treated with methylphenidate. Effects were maintained at follow-up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This pilot study shows promising evidence for the efficacy of an EF training with game elements.
authors.affiliation: Leuven University, Belgium University of Amsterdam, Netherlands Saskia.vanderoord@ppw.kuleuven.be.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: van der Oord
authors.affiliation: Lucertis, Outpatient Children's Psychiatric Clinic, Beverwijk/Zaandam, Netherlands.
authors.forename: A J G B
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Ponsioen
authors.affiliation: University of Amsterdam, Netherlands.
authors.forename: H M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Geurts
authors.affiliation: Lucertis, Outpatient Children's Psychiatric Clinic, Beverwijk/Zaandam, Netherlands.
authors.forename: E L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Ten Brink
authors.affiliation: University of Amsterdam, Netherlands.
authors.forename: P J M
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Prins
mesh_terms: D000553:Ambulatory Care; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D056344:Executive Function / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007266:Inhibition, Psychological; D008297:Male; D008570:Memory, Short-Term / Q000502:physiology; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010988:Play and Playthings; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014850:Waiting Lists; D057832:Watchful Waiting
chemical_list: D008774:Methylphenidate