The Utility of a Continuous Performance Test Embedded in Virtual Reality in Measuring ADHD-Related Deficits

Yehuda Pollak*, Patricia L. Weiss, Albert A. Rizzo, Merav Weizer, Liron Shriki, Ruth S. Shalev, Varda Gross-Tsur

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

93 Scopus citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Continuous performance tasks (CPT) are popular in the diagnostic process of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), providing an objective measure of attention for a disorder with otherwise subjective criteria. Aims of the study were to: (1) compare the performance of children with ADHD on a CPT embedded within a virtual reality classroom (VR-CPT) to the currently used Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA) CPT, and (2) assess how the VR environment is experienced. METHODS: Thirty-seven boys, 9 to 17 years, with (n = 20) and without ADHD (n = 17) underwent 3 CPT's: VR-CPT, the same CPT without VR (No VR-CPT) and the TOVA. Immediately following CPT, subjects described their subjective experiences on the Short Feedback Questionnaire. Results were analyzed using analysis of variance with repeated measures. RESULTS: Children with ADHD performed poorer on all CPT's. The VR-CPT showed similar effect sizes to the TOVA. Subjective feelings of enjoyment were most positive for VR-CPT. CONCLUSION: The VR-CPT is a sensitive and user-friendly assessment tool to aid diagnosis in ADHD.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2-6
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics
Volume30
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2009
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Continuous performance task (CPT)
  • Methylphenidate (MPH)
  • Virtual reality (VR)

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