VirTDAH: A Videogame to Improve Attention in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Using Coordination Technique

Abstract

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects children’s daily lives by altering their impulse control and attention. However, current treatments, such as medication and behavioral therapy, have limitations, including side effects and low adherence. Moreover, using of innovative technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR) to design auxiliary tools to treat ADHD is not usual. In this context, we present the architecture of a Virtual Reality (VR) videogame called VirTDAH, designed to improve attention in children with ADHD. The architecture of VirTDAH is based on the coordination technique, specifically on classification activities. In addition, ten children participated in 10-min sessions on three occasions to assess concentration levels during interaction with VirTDAH, through two metrics a) Inhibitory control and b) Quality of attentional focus. Results showed an improvement in concentration level of up to 23.33% compared to the first session.