Neurocognitive Training for Improving Attention, Emotional Regulation, and Executive Function in Children with ADHD

Research Background

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions among children in Hong Kong, with significant impact on academic performance, emotional regulation, and social development. While medication remains the mainstream treatment approach, evidence-based research into non-pharmacological interventions in Hong Kong is still in its early stages.

In collaboration with BrainX, the Institute of Special Needs and Inclusive Education (ISNIE) at The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) conducted a local study on the effectiveness of Neurocognitive Training (NCT) from September 2022 to February 2023, providing the Hong Kong education sector with a locally grounded, evidence-based reference for non-pharmacological intervention. The findings were officially presented at the EdUHK Research Results Presentation in June 2023.

Research Overview

• Research Institution: Institute of Special Needs and Inclusive Education (ISNIE), The Education University of Hong Kong
• Collaborating Partner: BrainX
• Participants: 24 children diagnosed with ADHD enrolled in Primary 3 to Primary 6
• Study Period: September 2022 – February 2023 (20 weeks)
• Training Intensity: Twice a week, 60 minutes per session, 40 sessions in total
• Assessment Tools: MOXO d-CPT, Conners 3-Parent Rating Scale

Training Content

Neurocognitive Training (NCT) uses brainwave technology to convert a child’s real-time attention state into visual feedback, guiding them through a series of low-stimulation computer games to train six core abilities:

• Attention Stamina — Using brainwave control to sustain focused attention throughout tasks
• Visual Tracking — Maintaining focus on moving targets to strengthen learning potential
• Time Management — Initiating tasks immediately upon instruction to build sustained attention
• Short-Term Memory — Processing visual and auditory information to strengthen the storage and retrieval of short-term memory
• Discriminatory Processing — Learning to filter relevant information and screen out irrelevant interference
• Auditory Processing — Executing increasingly complex sequential instructions to enhance executive functioning

Key Findings

Attention Assessment — MOXO d-CPT

The study used MOXO d-CPT, a clinically validated attention assessment tool used by physicians in 39 countries as a diagnostic support tool for ADHD, to objectively measure children’s performance before and after training. Higher scores indicate better performance, with a maximum score of 7. Results showed significant improvements across all four indicators, with Timeliness recording the most notable gain. All indicators reached statistical significance (p < 0.05), with Attentiveness and Timeliness reaching statistical highly significance (p < 0.001).

Parent Rating Scale — Conners 3-Parent

Parents were invited to complete the Conners 3-Parent Rating Scale before and after the programme to assess changes in their child’s behaviour based on observations in daily life. Lower scores indicate better performance. Results showed that all assessed domains reached statistical significance (p < 0.05), with most indicators reaching statistical highly significance (p < 0.001).

Research Findings

This study examined the effectiveness of Neurocognitive Training among local children with ADHD. Results demonstrated that following 20 weeks of systematic training across 40 sessions, children showed significant improvements in attention, executive functioning, and emotional regulation. The study also confirmed that Neurocognitive Training is effective for both medicated and non-medicated children, and can serve as either a standalone or complementary intervention.