Cognitive training programs ARAM and PETRA show improvements in ADHD symptoms and executive functions in preschoolers

A randomized controlled trial evaluated two cognitive training interventions in 47 preschool children with ADHD. Participants were assigned to either the Attentive Rehabilitation of Attention and Memory (ARAM) program (N=15), the Program for Executive Function Training (PETRA) (N=15), or a control group (N=17). The study assessed behavioral outcomes using BRIEF and ADHD-SC4 scales and cognitive outcomes including the Day/Night Stroop, Missing Scan Test, and Trail Making Test.

Both interventions demonstrated improvements in multiple domains including inhibitory control, shifting attention, memory, planning, and emotion regulation, along with sustained reductions in ADHD symptoms. The analysis used Cohen's d to evaluate transfer effects across FIELD domains (Function, Implement, Ecology, Level, Duration), with PETRA generally showing larger effect sizes across these domains. However, specific numerical results for clinical outcomes, absolute numbers, p-values, and confidence intervals were not reported in the abstract.

Safety and tolerability data were not reported, and the abstract does not include information about adverse events, serious adverse events, or discontinuations. The study limitations were not detailed in the abstract. While the RCT design suggests causal inference is possible for the interventions studied, the lack of specific clinical outcome measures and safety data limits definitive conclusions. These findings represent preliminary evidence that requires confirmation through full publication with complete methodology and results reporting.