Intervención computarizada para mejorar la atención sostenida en un niño con TDAH

Abstract

Computerized intervention to improve sustained attention in a child with ADHD. Sustained attention, impaired in children with ADHD, is not normalized with medication; therefore, it is necessary to use complementary interventions. ADHD children who are treated with medication and computerized interventions, such as “AixTent”, “CPAT”, “Fíjate y Concéntrate Más”, improved vigilance, sustained attention, selective attention, and divided attention. In Peru, Smartbrain games computerized program is available. In other countries, this program has shown positive results in cognitive functions, including attention, in adults with HIV, Parkinson and Alzheimer disease. Attentional exercises of Smartbrain games require participants to stay focused on performing tasks, and therefore, it could be useful to train the sustained attention impaired in ADHD children. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of computerized intervention with Smartbrain games to increase sustained attention of a 9 year-old child with ADHD. Sustained attention was assessed before and inmediatly after the intervention and 3-month post-intervention. The computerized intervention was additional to the pharmacological treatment for ADHD and consisted of exercises to train attention with the Smartbrain games program during 1-hour 16 sessions. Results showed that the sustained attention increased after the intervention, from a very low level in the pretest to a normal level in the posttest and the follow-up assessement. These results are consistent with other studies that demonstrated the effectiveness of computerized interventions to increase the sustained attention in children with ADHD.