Abstract

Working memory training has been proven effective for improving cognitive functioning in patients with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However, the feasibility of this type of training for children in Saudi Arabia has not been previously explored. We investigated the feasibility of implementing Cogmed Working Memory Training (CWMT) in a sample of 29 Saudi children with ADHD. We found no significant demographic or clinical differences between compliant and noncompliant children. Although compliant children were initially better at following instructions and reported better improvements in working memory and math skills compared to those who did not complete the CWMT, all children who participated in the program showed improvements in performing the CWMT tasks. Most parents found the Cogmed training feasible for their children, were satisfied and keen to continue with the program, and felt the training helped them to address their problems. Most children did not encounter any difficulties in using the software, and many families were, therefore, likely to continue using the techniques from the program. We conclude that CWMT for children with ADHD is feasible in Saudi Arabia. Larger case-controlled studies are needed to thoroughly investigate the effects of CWMT compared to other interventions in Saudi children with ADHD.

摘要

工作记忆训练已被证明可有效改善注意力缺陷/多动症 (ADHD) 患者的认知功能。然而，此前尚未探讨过对沙特阿拉伯儿童进行此类培训的可行性。我们以 29 名患有多动症的沙特儿童为样本，调查了实施 Cogmed 工作记忆训练 (CWMT) 的可行性。我们发现顺从和不顺从的儿童之间没有显着的人口统计学或临床差异。尽管与那些没有完成 CWMT 的孩子相比，服从的孩子最初能够更好地遵循指示，并且在工作记忆和数学技能方面有更好的改善，但所有参与该项目的孩子在执行 CWMT 任务方面都表现出进步。大多数家长认为 Cogmed 培训对他们的孩子来说是可行的，感到满意并热衷于继续该计划，并认为培训帮助他们解决了问题。大多数孩子在使用该软件时没有遇到任何困难，因此许多家庭可能会继续使用该程序中的技术。我们的结论是，针对多动症儿童的 CWMT 在沙特阿拉伯是可行的。需要更大规模的病例对照研究来彻底调查 CWMT 与其他干预措施相比对沙特多动症儿童的影响。