Tai Chi for ADHD in Children

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen ByStewart Mostofsky, MD

Age: < 18

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Inc.

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has tremendous individual and societal impact, and the effectiveness of current standard treatments is limited. Thus, there are potential public health benefits for novel behavioral training programs that could remediate the core features of ADHD and contribute to sustained improvements in behavioral control. There is mounting evidence that children with ADHD show difficulties with motor control, and that these motor deficits are strongly associated with the core behavioral features of ADHD. Based on this information, the CNIR initiated a feasibility trial of a movement-based intervention, utilizing Tai Chi practice, targeting improved behavioral control through engagement of the motor system and results are highly promising. The investigators therefore will employ an extension of our ongoing Tai Chi programs for children with ADHD, beginning with children who have already completed one of the previous Tai Chi sessions. This program will provide the basis for studying the long-term effects of mindful movement, as well as creating a foundation for exploring the way that such interventions can be expanded into a more realistic support setting for the community. Hypothesis: After participating in the ongoing Tai Chi program, children with ADHD will show improvements in behavioral measures of motor, cognitive, and attentional control. The investigators further expect movement-based training will result in decreases in ADHD symptom severity.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for children with ADHD who have previously participated in a Tai Chi feasibility study. They must meet ADHD criteria, can be on stimulants or no medication, and may also have ODD or anxiety disorders. Exclusions include neurological disorders, significant hearing loss, low reading scores or IQ below 80, and certain other diagnoses.

Inclusion Criteria

I am currently taking stimulants, psychoactive medications, or no medication at all.

My child has ADHD and met the criteria in a previous ADHD study.

Comorbid oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and anxiety disorders are permitted

Exclusion Criteria

Documented hearing impairment ≥ 25 dB (decibel) loss in either ear

Neurologic disorder (e.g., epilepsy, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, Tourette Syndrome)

A standard score below 85 on the Word Reading Subtest, regardless of IQ score

+4 more

Participant Groups

The trial tests the long-term effects of ongoing Tai Chi training on improving motor control and reducing ADHD symptoms in children. It builds upon previous studies suggesting that mindful movement can enhance behavioral control in kids with ADHD.

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Tai ChiExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Ongoing, continuous Tai Chi and mindful movement instruction, 1 hour, twice per week