Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Intervention for Impulsivity, Sustained Attention, and Divided Attention in Children with Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of Psychology, Ahvaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran

Abstract

Introduction: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental
disorder that usually begins in childhood. Inconsistent with one’s developmental stage, this
condition is marked by attention deficit, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. The present study
aimed to investigate the effect of virtual reality intervention (VRI) on impulsivity, sustained
attention, and divided attention in children with ADHD.
Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest control group design. The
study population consisted of 103 boys and girls diagnosed with ADHD seeking treatment
at Baqiyatullah Hospital in Tehran in 2021. Thirty children who met the inclusion criteria
were purposefully selected and allocated to two groups: a control group (only taking Ritalin)
and an intervention group (n=15 per group). The intervention group received VRI (twelve
60-minute sessions held three times weekly). The research instrument included the integrated
visual and auditory continuous performance test. Data analysis was conducted using analysis
of covariance (ANCOVA).
Results: The results revealed that VRI improved impulsivity, sustained attention, and divided
attention in children diagnosed with ADHD (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Based on the findings, VRI can improve sustained attention, divided attention,
and impulsivity in children with ADHD.

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Health Management & Information Science
Volume 10, Issue 2
April 2023
Pages 93-99

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