CClinicalTrials.gg
CompletedNCT05435651Updated Mar 27, 2026

Digital Therapy for Treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

An interventional study of Multitask game-based digital therapy and Schulte Grid digital game in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, sponsored by Children's Hospital of Fudan University. Completed at 1 site in China. Open to participants aged 6 Years to 12 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-03-27.

Sponsored by Children's Hospital of Fudan University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment

Phase
Not applicable
Study type
Interventional
Enrollment
40
Allocation
Randomized
Ages
6 Years to 12 Years
Sex
All
01

Study summary

This study is designed to explore the effect of Multitask game-based digital therapy versus Schulte Grid digital game on attentional functioning (measured by the TOVA), ADHD symptoms, executive functioning, and clinical impairment, in children diagnosed with ADHD. Investigators will also evaluate the safety of digital therapy for intervention treatment of childhood attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Read the detailed description

ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity, resulting in functional impairment in multiple settings.The prevalence in China is estimated to be 6.26%. Front-line intervention for ADHD includes pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, which have shown short-term efficacy.There are limitations to current best practices for the treatment of ADHD.

Relating to pharmacotherapy, they are accompanied by adverse events in many children, do not normalize functioning , and adherence rates over time are generally low. Pharmacotherapy may not be suitable for some patients.Relating to non-pharmacological interventions, barriers to access limit the use of non-pharmacological interventions, given a shortage of properly trained paediatric mental health specialists and variability in insurance coverage for such services.

Digital therapy for ADHD may address these limitations with improved access, minimal side-effects, and low potential for abuse.There are studies show that digital intervention can significantly increase attentional functioning of children with ADHD.At present, there are few related researches on digital therapy in China.The total number of ADHD children is large in China, and electronic products are very popular in Chinese families.If digital therapies suitable for ADHD children in China can be developed, it will be of great significance for the promotion of human health.

Therefore, investigators designed the study to explore the effect of Multitask game-based digital therapy versus Schulte Grid digital game on attentional functioning (measured by the TOVA), ADHD symptoms, executive functioning, and clinical impairment, in children diagnosed with ADHD in China.Safety, tolerability, and compliance were also assessed.

The study will be a blinded (investigators and outcome assessors), randomized, parallel group, follow-up study of the sustained effects of 28 days of treatment with either Multitask game-based digital therapy or Schulte Grid digital game.

The trial will consist of 3 visits: Screening, FU-Day 14 visit and FU-Day 28 visit.

02

Conditions studied

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Keywords

  • Digital therapy
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In context

Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity

1,514 studies on the registry are indexed under Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; 255 are open to participants now.

This study's enrollment of 40 is below the median of 72 across 1,207 interventional studies indexed under Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity.

Browse Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity studies →

Lead sponsor

Children's Hospital of Fudan University is the lead sponsor of 262 studies on the registry; 92 are open to participants now.

Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.

04

Who can participate

Ages eligible
6 Years to 12 Years
Sexes eligible
All
Accepts healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

  • Age 8 years to 12 years, inclusive, at the time of parental informed consent.
  • Male or female.
  • Confirmed ADHD diagnosis , any presentation , at Screening based on DSM-V criteria and established via the MINI-KID administered by a trained clinician.
  • Screening/Baseline score on the clinician-rated ADHDRS-IV score 24.
  • Screening/Baseline score on the TOVA API -1.8.
  • Not undergoing pharmacological treatment with methylphenidate or amphetamine-based products at time of Screening ; or, if undergoing pharmacolog ical treatment , must be willing and appropriate (i.e. not optimally treated in the investigator's judgment) to wash out of current regimen.
  • Estimated IQ score\~ 80 as assessed by Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fourth Edition ,WISC-IV.
  • Ability to comply with all the testing and requirements.

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Current, controlled (requiring a restricted medicatio n) or uncontrolled, comorbid psychiatric diagnosis , based on MINI-KID and subsequent clinical interviewing, with significant symptoms including but not limited to post-traumatic stress disorder , psychosis, bipolar illness, pervasive developmental disorder, severe obsessive compulsive disorder, severe depressive or severe anxiety disorder , conduct disorder , or other symptomatic manifestatio ns that in the opinion of the Investigator may confound study data/assessments .
  • Children who are currently at risk of suicide or have attempted suicide; children who have a history of suicide or are currently exhibiting active suicidal ideation or self-harm.
  • Unable to stop taking ADHD medication.
  • Motor condition (e.g., physical deformity of the hands/arms ; prostheses) that prevents playing the digital therapy as reported by the parent or observed by the investigator .
  • Recent history (within the past 6 months) of suspected substance abuse or dependence.
  • History of seizures (exclusive of febr ile seizures) , or significant motor or vocal tics, including but not limited to Tourette 's Disorder.
  • Diagnosis of or parent-reported color blindness.
  • Uncorrected visual acuity (Confirmed in-clinic via ability of subject to play the game).
  • With severe mental retardation.
  • Any other medical condition that in the opinion of the investigato r may confound study data/assessments.
05

Study design

Phase
Not applicable
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention model
Parallel assignment
Masking
Double (Investigator, Outcomes assessor)
Enrollment
40 participants (actual)

Study arms

  • Experimental
    Multitask game-based digital therapy

    Multitask game-based digital therapy group will be asked to practice multitask-game on the system for approximately 25 minutes/day at least 5 days a week. Compliance will be monitored electronically.

    Behavioral: Multitask game-based digital therapy

  • Active comparator
    Schulte Grid digital game

    Schulte Grid digital game group will be asked to practice Schulte Grid digital game on the system for approximately 25 minutes/day at least 5 days a week. Compliance will be monitored electronically.

    Behavioral: Schulte Grid digital game

Interventions

  • BehavioralMultitask game-based digital therapy

    To practice multitask-game on the system for approximately 25 minutes/day at least 5 days a week.

  • BehavioralSchulte Grid digital game

    To practice Schulte Grid digital game on the system for approximately 25 minutes/day at least 5 days a week.

06

What researchers measure

Primary outcomes

  1. the TOVA API

    The primary outcome measure was the mean change in The Attention Performance Index (API) of TOVA. The TOVA is a validated, computerised, continuous performance test that objectively measures attention and inhibitory control, normalised by age and sex. The API is calculated from variability, response time, and d' (D Prime) using the following formula: API = Response Time Z score (Half 1) + d' Z score (Half 2) + Variability Z score (Total) + 1.80 API tells how similar the score is to the ADHD profile. A score of less than 0 indicates that the subject had similar performance to a normative ADHD population. A lower score indicates a more severe ADHD profile.

    Time frame: Baseline

  2. the TOVA API

    The primary outcome measure was the mean change in The Attention Performance Index (API) of TOVA. The TOVA is a validated, computerised, continuous performance test that objectively measures attention and inhibitory control, normalised by age and sex. The API is calculated from variability, response time, and d' (D Prime) using the following formula: API = Response Time Z score (Half 1) + d' Z score (Half 2) + Variability Z score (Total) + 1.80 API tells how similar the score is to the ADHD profile. A score of less than 0 indicates that the subject had similar performance to a normative ADHD population. A lower score indicates a more severe ADHD profile.

    Time frame: 14 days after enrollment

  3. the TOVA API

    The primary outcome measure was the mean change in The Attention Performance Index (API) of TOVA. The TOVA is a validated, computerised, continuous performance test that objectively measures attention and inhibitory control, normalised by age and sex. The API is calculated from variability, response time, and d' (D Prime) using the following formula: API = Response Time Z score (Half 1) + d' Z score (Half 2) + Variability Z score (Total) + 1.80 API tells how similar the score is to the ADHD profile. A score of less than 0 indicates that the subject had similar performance to a normative ADHD population. A lower score indicates a more severe ADHD profile.

    Time frame: 28 days after enrollment

Secondary outcomes

  1. The ADHD-Rating Scale

    The ADHD-Rating Scale is an 18-item scale assessing the frequency of each ADHD symptom based on DSM-IV criteria. The scale consists of 2 subscales: inattention (9 items) and hyperactivity-impulsivity (9 items). Each item is scored on a 4-point scale ranging from 0 (rarely or never) to 3 (very often) with total scores ranging from 0-54. A higher score indicates more severe ADHD symptoms and behaviors.

    Time frame: Baseline

  2. The ADHD-Rating Scale

    The ADHD-Rating Scale is an 18-item scale assessing the frequency of each ADHD symptom based on DSM-IV criteria. The scale consists of 2 subscales: inattention (9 items) and hyperactivity-impulsivity (9 items). Each item is scored on a 4-point scale ranging from 0 (rarely or never) to 3 (very often) with total scores ranging from 0-54. A higher score indicates more severe ADHD symptoms and behaviors.

    Time frame: 14 days after enrollment

  3. The ADHD-Rating Scale

    The ADHD-Rating Scale is an 18-item scale assessing the frequency of each ADHD symptom based on DSM-IV criteria. The scale consists of 2 subscales: inattention (9 items) and hyperactivity-impulsivity (9 items). Each item is scored on a 4-point scale ranging from 0 (rarely or never) to 3 (very often) with total scores ranging from 0-54. A higher score indicates more severe ADHD symptoms and behaviors.

    Time frame: 28 days after enrollment

  4. The Clinical Global Impression Scale - Improvement (CGI-I)

    The Clinical Global Impression Scale - Improvement (CGI-I) is a clinician's comparison of the participant's overall clinical condition at follow up to the overall clinical condition at baseline. The CGI-S is a 7-point scale where 1 = Very much improved, 2=Much improved, 3=Minimally improved, 4=No change, 5=Minimally worse, 6=Much worse, and 7=Very much worse. A score of 1, 2, or 3 would indicate overall improvement of ADHD severity.

    Time frame: 14 days after enrollment

  5. The Clinical Global Impression Scale - Improvement (CGI-I)

    The Clinical Global Impression Scale - Improvement (CGI-I) is a clinician's comparison of the participant's overall clinical condition at follow up to the overall clinical condition at baseline. The CGI-S is a 7-point scale where 1 = Very much improved, 2=Much improved, 3=Minimally improved, 4=No change, 5=Minimally worse, 6=Much worse, and 7=Very much worse. A score of 1, 2, or 3 would indicate overall improvement of ADHD severity.

    Time frame: 28 days after enrollment

  6. BRIEF Inhibit Percentile

    The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) is a parent-rated form that assesses everyday behavior associated with specific domains of the executive functions of their child. The BRIEF working memory metacognition subscale measures the participants ability to hold information when completing a task in a sequential manner. A lower subscale score indicates better ability of working memory.

    Time frame: Baseline

  7. BRIEF Inhibit Percentile

    The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) is a parent-rated form that assesses everyday behavior associated with specific domains of the executive functions of their child. The BRIEF working memory metacognition subscale measures the participants ability to hold information when completing a task in a sequential manner. A lower subscale score indicates better ability of working memory.

    Time frame: 14 days after enrollment

  8. BRIEF Inhibit Percentile

    The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) is a parent-rated form that assesses everyday behavior associated with specific domains of the executive functions of their child. The BRIEF working memory metacognition subscale measures the participants ability to hold information when completing a task in a sequential manner. A lower subscale score indicates better ability of working memory.

    Time frame: 28 days after enrollment

  9. Adverse Device Effects

    The expectedness of an ADE shall be documented in case Report Form(CRF). 1. Dizziness,2. Nausea,3. Headache,4. Increased and unusual levels of frustration during game play.

    Time frame: 14 days after enrollment

  10. Adverse Device Effects

    The expectedness of an ADE shall be documented in case Report Form(CRF). 1. Dizziness,2. Nausea,3. Headache,4. Increased and unusual levels of frustration during game play.

    Time frame: 28 days after enrollment

07

Study locations

1 site
  • Children's hospital of Fudan University
    Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality 201102, China
08

References and documents

Publications

  • Kollins SH, DeLoss DJ, Canadas E, Lutz J, Findling RL, Keefe RSE, Epstein JN, Cutler AJ, Faraone SV. A novel digital intervention for actively reducing severity of paediatric ADHD (STARS-ADHD): a randomised controlled trial. Lancet Digit Health. 2020 Apr;2(4):e168-e178. doi: 10.1016/S2589-7500(20)30017-0. Epub 2020 Feb 24. PubMed 33334505 ↗
  • Kollins SH, Childress A, Heusser AC, Lutz J. Effectiveness of a digital therapeutic as adjunct to treatment with medication in pediatric ADHD. NPJ Digit Med. 2021 Mar 26;4(1):58. doi: 10.1038/s41746-021-00429-0. PubMed 33772095 ↗
  • Davis NO, Bower J, Kollins SH. Proof-of-concept study of an at-home, engaging, digital intervention for pediatric ADHD. PLoS One. 2018 Jan 11;13(1):e0189749. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0189749. eCollection 2018. PubMed 29324745 ↗

Individual participant data

Plan to share: No

09

Updates

Tracking since Sep 25, 2026
No changes since tracking began. The registry record was last updated on Mar 27, 2026, before this site started recording changes on Sep 25, 2026. Its history is on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
10

Registry details

Key details

Study ID
NCT05435651
Lead sponsor
Children's Hospital of Fudan University
Responsible party
Sponsor
First posted
Jun 28, 2022
Start date
Jul 16, 2022
Primary completion
Jun 1, 2024
Completion
Jul 1, 2024
Last update
Mar 27, 2026

Study contacts

Daqian Zhu, PhD
study chair · Department of Psychological Medicine, Children's Hospital of Fudan University

Oversight

Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
View the source record on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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