Ongoing Tai Chi Training for Children With ADHD

Launched by HUGO W. MOSER RESEARCH INSTITUTE AT KENNEDY KRIEGER, INC. · Feb 9, 2018

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how ongoing Tai Chi training can help children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADHD can make it hard for kids to focus and control their behavior, and while there are standard treatments available, they don't work for everyone. The researchers believe that Tai Chi, which involves slow, mindful movements, might improve children's ability to control their behavior, attention, and motor skills. The trial is continuing with children who have already participated in previous Tai Chi sessions, allowing the team to explore how these activities can provide long-term benefits.

To participate in this trial, children need to have a diagnosis of ADHD and have taken part in an earlier study on movement-based mindfulness. They can also have other conditions like anxiety or oppositional defiant disorder. However, children with certain serious conditions, such as autism or significant hearing loss, cannot join. Participants can expect to engage in Tai Chi sessions that aim to help them feel more in control of their actions and reduce ADHD symptoms. This trial not only looks to gather more information about the benefits of Tai Chi but also hopes to develop ways to bring this kind of support to more children in the community.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Children must meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD, based on information from previous participation in "Movement-Based Mindfulness Training for Children with ADHD: A Feasibility Study." Additionally, children must meet criteria on the parent and teacher Conners-3
• • Comorbid oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and anxiety disorders are permitted
• • Stimulants, psychoactive medications, or no medication are allowed
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • diagnosis of Intellectual Disability, Developmental Language Disorder, Reading Disability, or Autism (screened for using the Social Competence Questionnaire (SCQ)
• • neurologic disorder (e.g., epilepsy, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, Tourette Syndrome)
• • documented hearing impairment ≥ 25 dB (decibel) loss in either ear.
• • a Full Scale IQ (Intelligence Quotient) score on the WISC-IV (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children) below 80
• • a standard score below 85 on the Word Reading Subtest, regardless of IQ score
• • foster care
• • Female participants will be excluded if they are pregnant or may be pregnant