Analysis of cognitive and attentional profiles in children with and without ADHD using an innovative virtual reality tool

PLoS One. 2018 Aug 15;13(8):e0201039. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0201039. eCollection 2018.

Abstract

In previous studies, children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have been found to have more difficulties with processing speed, working memory, and attentional tasks. The present study aimed to compare the cognitive variables (working memory and processing speed) and the attentional profiles of a sample of students with and without ADHD, using scales from the WISC-IV, and the virtual reality-based attentional test known as 'Aula Nesplora'; and determine the extent to which the aforementioned variables may predict student group membership. A total of 88 students took part in this study (66 males and 22 females), aged from 6 to 16 years (M = 10.20; SD = 2.79). The sample was divided into two groups: an ADHD group (n = 50) and a Control group (n = 38). Students in the ADHD group obtained lower scores in working memory and in processing speed, as well as demonstrating poorer performance in Aula Nesplora than did their peers. Working memory, and the number of omissions, were both shown to be reliable predictors of group membership. This study revealed the importance of obtaining data from attentional variables differentiated by modality when considering cognitive variables, in order to better characterize the difficulties experienced by individuals diagnosed with ADHD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / diagnosis*
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / psychology
  • Attention*
  • Child
  • Cognition*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Memory, Short-Term
  • Neuropsychological Tests*
  • Virtual Reality*

Grants and funding

This work has been supported by a project of the Principality of Asturias (FC-15-GRUPIN14-053), a predoctoral grant from the Severo Ochoa program (BP14-030), and the Mineco project I+D (EDU2015-65023-P) to Dr. González-Castro. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.