The Effects of Neurofeedback, Yoga Interventions on Memory and Cognitive Activity in Children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Neuro-feedback (NFB) and physical activities are considered alternative treatments for children with ADHD that aims to optimize brain activity. Assessments of the behavioral efficacy of NF and physical interventions have produced inconsistent results. Like physical activity, yoga has been argued to be beneficial for improvement of neurological and physiological activity and behavior in a range of populations.

The present randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluates the effects of NFB and yoga exercise intervention on sustained attention in children with ADHD.

Using a multicenter three-way parallel group RCT design, children with ADHD, aged 7–11, were randomly assigned to NFB (n = 7), yoga (n = 7) or control (n = 7) over a period of 8 weeks. NFB training consisted of 24 sessions of theta/beta training at Cz and Yoga exercise training composed of 24 sessions of 45 minutes over 8 weeks. Sustained attention and memory were assessed using parameters derived from the Continuous Performance Test (CPT) Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R).

Significant improvements in sustain attention and memory were observed over time in both Yoga and NFB compare to control group. To our knowledge, this is the first study that simultaneously evaluates NFB with Yoga treatment.

These findings suggest that alternative therapies such as yoga exercises and NFB can be complementary to behavioral interventions for children with attention problem. Hence, the findings do not support NFB and yoga training applied as a stand-alone treatment in children with ADHD.