Virtual reality intervention improves executive function in children with ADHD in small RCT

A randomized controlled trial evaluated a second-generation virtual reality intervention (SG-VRI) in 70 children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The intervention group received SG-VRI, while the control group received no intervention. The primary outcome was improvement in hot and cold executive function (EF) skills.

The main result showed SG-VRI was effective in improving hot and cold EF skills compared to the control group after 8 weeks (p < 0.05). Secondary outcomes included the Stroop TBAG Form, Trail Making Test, and Childhood Executive Functioning Inventory, but specific results for these measures were not provided in the available data. Adverse events, serious adverse events, discontinuations, and tolerability were not reported.

Key limitations include the small sample size, short follow-up duration, and lack of an active comparator (control group received no intervention). The absence of safety data is a significant gap. For clinical practice, this represents early, preliminary evidence that SG-VRI may have a positive effect on EF in children with ADHD, but the evidence is insufficient to support routine clinical use without further investigation.