Actively Recruiting
Understanding Factors That Affect Working Memory Training Transfer in Adolescents with and without ADHD Evaluating Executive Function Training Approaches and Coaching in Ages 12-17
Led by Northeastern University · Updated on 2025-12-23
780
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This research aims to understand how different methods of training executive function can improve cognitive outcomes in adolescents aged 12 to 17, including those diagnosed with ADHD and those without. It seeks to identify which parts of executive function training are most helpful, how these parts affect adolescents with ADHD differently, and which personal factors influence training success. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of six training approaches. These include non-gamified and gamified versions of the N-back task, multi-domain training involving several cognitive tasks, and versions of these trainings combined with weekly motivational coaching sessions via videoconference. Each participant completes 40 training sessions over four weeks. Throughout the study, participants will undergo tests and surveys before starting training, immediately after completing it, and again six months later. Researchers will assess how well participants follow the training schedule and measure changes in working memory, inhibition, flexibility, complex cognition, well-being, and mental health. The total study duration includes baseline, training, post-training, and long-term follow-up assessments.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Executive Function Training for Children and Adolescents
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Adolescents aged 12 to 17 years
- Must have a caregiver (parent or guardian) available to assist with training
- Both child and caregiver must understand and speak English or Spanish well enough to participate
- Both child and caregiver must be willing to consent to participation and follow the assigned study protocol
- Approximately 50% of participants must meet criteria for ADHD diagnosis according to DSM-5
You will not qualify if you...
- Currently taking ADHD medication or stimulants
- Diagnosed with intellectual disability
- Have abnormal vision or hearing that prevents participation
- History of organic mental disorders, psychosis, autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disability, active substance use, or suicidal thoughts
- Major sensory or motor impairments that prevent valid cognitive testing
- Color blindness that hinders ability to discriminate task stimuli
- Vulnerable populations such as wards or those with neurological or other health conditions preventing informed consent
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 4 weeks (weeks 2 to 5)
Participants engage in executive function training using various behavioral tasks including non gamified and gamified N-back tasks, multiple domain training, and may receive weekly motivational coaching sessions via videoconference.
Weekly visits for training and coaching sessions
Duration - At least 6 months after post-test (week 30)
Participants complete follow-up assessments to evaluate working memory, inhibition/flexibility, complex cognition, well-being, and mental health outcomes.
1 follow-up visit
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Northeastern University
Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 02115
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
A
Audrey Carrillo, MA
J
Jinlin Liu, MA
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
6
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