Tai Chi Training for Children With ADHD
| Status: | Recruiting |
|---|---|
| Conditions: | Psychiatric, ADHD |
| Therapuetic Areas: | Psychiatry / Psychology, Other |
| Healthy: | No |
| Age Range: | 8 - 12 |
| Updated: | 10/14/2018 |
| Start Date: | September 2014 |
| End Date: | June 2019 |
| Contact: | Stewart Mostofsky, MD |
| Email: | mostofsky@kennedykrieger.org |
| Phone: | 443-923-9266 |
Movement-Based Training for Children With ADHD: A Feasibility Study
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has tremendous individual and societal
impact, and the effectiveness of current standard treatments is limited. We examine a novel
treatment that could remediate the core features of ADHD and thereby contribute to sustained
improvements in behavioral control. This approach is motivated by mounting evidence that
children with ADHD show difficulties with motor control, and that these motor deficits are
strongly associated with the core behavioral features of ADHD. We employ Tai Chi, targeting
improvements in well-established behavioral and physiologic measures of motor control, and
with this, improvements in ADHD symptoms. The proposed study offers immense potential for the
development of novel therapeutic approaches for ADHD with little risk of adverse reaction.
The over-arching goal of this proposal is to examine a movement-based mindfulness training as
a therapeutic intervention for children with ADHD. This approach is motivated by two
complimentary lines of evidence: 1) Children with ADHD show impairments in motor control that
parallel (and correlate with) core deficits in behavioral control that define the disorder.
2) Gains in cognitive and behavioral control have been observed in adults learning Tai Chi,
dance, or meditation. These lines of evidence provide substantial motivation for our proposed
investigation of movement-based mindfulness training in children with ADHD. Specifically, we
propose to evaluate an established Tai Chi-based intervention. We chose this approach for a
number of reasons: 1) Tai Chi is among the most well-established movement-based interventions
with documented therapeutic effects, including cognitive effects. 2) While many
movement-based approaches show evidence of yielding cognitive improvements Tai Chi provides
excellent opportunities for engagement of 8-12 year old children in the form of the
collaborative game "push hands." 3) Tai Chi instruction consists of gentle movements that can
be practiced even by those with physical limitations, and is readily available in the United
States so the protocols developed in this study will be straightforward to deploy at a
national level.
Hypothesis: After participating in a Tai Chi program, children with ADHD will show
improvements in behavioral and physiologic measures of motor control. We further expect
movement-based training will result in decreases in ADHD symptom severity.
impact, and the effectiveness of current standard treatments is limited. We examine a novel
treatment that could remediate the core features of ADHD and thereby contribute to sustained
improvements in behavioral control. This approach is motivated by mounting evidence that
children with ADHD show difficulties with motor control, and that these motor deficits are
strongly associated with the core behavioral features of ADHD. We employ Tai Chi, targeting
improvements in well-established behavioral and physiologic measures of motor control, and
with this, improvements in ADHD symptoms. The proposed study offers immense potential for the
development of novel therapeutic approaches for ADHD with little risk of adverse reaction.
The over-arching goal of this proposal is to examine a movement-based mindfulness training as
a therapeutic intervention for children with ADHD. This approach is motivated by two
complimentary lines of evidence: 1) Children with ADHD show impairments in motor control that
parallel (and correlate with) core deficits in behavioral control that define the disorder.
2) Gains in cognitive and behavioral control have been observed in adults learning Tai Chi,
dance, or meditation. These lines of evidence provide substantial motivation for our proposed
investigation of movement-based mindfulness training in children with ADHD. Specifically, we
propose to evaluate an established Tai Chi-based intervention. We chose this approach for a
number of reasons: 1) Tai Chi is among the most well-established movement-based interventions
with documented therapeutic effects, including cognitive effects. 2) While many
movement-based approaches show evidence of yielding cognitive improvements Tai Chi provides
excellent opportunities for engagement of 8-12 year old children in the form of the
collaborative game "push hands." 3) Tai Chi instruction consists of gentle movements that can
be practiced even by those with physical limitations, and is readily available in the United
States so the protocols developed in this study will be straightforward to deploy at a
national level.
Hypothesis: After participating in a Tai Chi program, children with ADHD will show
improvements in behavioral and physiologic measures of motor control. We further expect
movement-based training will result in decreases in ADHD symptom severity.
Persistent poor outcomes for individuals with ADHD make it imperative to explore intervention
approaches beyond medication, particularly interventions that could provide sustained
improvements in control of hyperactive, impulsive and distractible behavior. Two lines of
evidence converge to support a movement-based mindfulness training intervention as a
potential stand-alone or adjunct treatment for the treatment of ADHD symptoms. First, decades
of research, including from our lab, has established that many children with ADHD show
impairments in motor control that parallel their impairments in behavioral and cognitive
control. Second, there is mounting evidence that movement-based mindfulness interventions are
effective for enhancing behavioral control in adults, although there has been limited
examination in children. These lines of evidence suggest an outstanding opportunity for
development of novel treatment approaches for ADHD through engagement of the motor system.
In this application we propose to examine the efficacy of a specific movement-based
mindfulness intervention for children with ADHD - Tai Chi. This approach was chosen for a
number of reasons: 1) extensive documentation in the research literature, 2) engagement
afforded by a martial approach to mindful movement, and 3) scalability given the existing
availability of Tai Chi instruction in the United States and the ease of performing gentle
Tai Chi movements even in the presence of physical limitation. Consistent with the
"Fast-Fail" approach in the first two years (R21 phase) we will investigate the impact of Tai
Chi on the motor system targets our lab has established as highly correlated with measures of
classic ADHD symptoms. Specifically, we will measure SICI (short-interval intra-cortical
inhibition via TMS) and overt movement behavior resulting from failures of motor control
(mirror overflow and motor impersistence). Milestones will comprise successful motor system
target engagement in the context of Tai Chi training. The findings will lay a foundation for
the clinical exploration of Tai Chi and other movement-based mindfulness training approaches
in ADHD and other conditions where the motor system is implicated. Our brain-based approach
further provides a clear path for reliable assessment as well as integration with the
cognitive neuroscience literature on inhibition and other aspects of cognitive control.
The motor system provides a locus for the integration of multiple neural systems, with clear
abnormalities in inhibitory function in ADHD. An intervention targeting the motor system
stands to make productive contact with these motor system targets. Indeed, there is broad
evidence for the efficacy of Tai Chi (and other mindfulness-based movement training) in
addressing a wide range of issues, including high level cognitive functions such as
attentional control.2 The majority of these effects have been established in adults, but
given the greater brain plasticity documented in children,1 we have reason to expect strong
effects in children. Indeed, successes have been reported in child populations as early as
preschool.32 Moreover, there is a recognized need for physiologic biomarkers in mindfulness
and movement training studies.15 Our robust ability to track changes in specific motor
markers at behavioral and physiologic (from TMS) levels, provides an ideal target measure to
establish specificity in a Tai Chi training intervention.
Overview of intervention
Tai Chi is a form of exercise with a variety of components and a strong cultural tradition.
In consultation with experienced teachers of Tai Chi, we have received consistent feedback
that "martial applications," and specifically push hands, will likely be a valuable component
of training for children with high distractibility. Central to the martial practice of Tai
Chi is a collaborative game called "Push Hands," in which partners attempt to push one
another off balance without the use of strong effort. Push hands, and other Tai Chi inspired
"games" will be used to motivate engagement in slower, more focused movement training: Tai
Chi warm-up, postural and breathing exercises, and a section of a Tai Chi form. We expect
these components to collectively drive learning and development of behavioral control in the
motor domain, with high potential for impact on other features of ADHD.
The Tai Chi instructor, a graduate student from the Johns Hopkins Tai Chi club, has extensive
experience with youth instruction, as well as a keen understanding of the relationships
between Tai Chi and "hard" martial arts from over 20 years of practice in martial arts,
including 12 years of Tai Chi. An assistant instructor will additionally be engaged to assist
with maintaining class focus. All instructors will be certified for ethical treatment of
human subjects, as well as standards for youth physical education. Sessions will be held in
an athletic facility on the Kennedy Krieger Institute (KKI) Greenspring campus. The athletic
facility was designed and equipped for children with a range of abilities as part of the LEAP
Program (Life-skills and Education for Students with Autism and other Pervasive Behavioral
Challenges). It is advantageously located on a campus that is very convenient for most
Baltimore area families. The facility moreover has a high-impact floating rubber floor. This
environmentally friendly and slip-resistant flooring provides cushioning, which reduces
fatigue and potential for injury to the participants during physical activities.
Recruitment and testing
Recruitment, preintervention data collection (see below for details), and logistical
preparation will commence as early as is practicable once the funding period is established.
At least three sessions will be completed, scheduled so as to ensure sessions both during the
school year and during summer break. Six-eight students will be enrolled in each session,
with a target of five-seven children successfully completing each session and participating
in preintervention (three week period prior to the start of classes) , midpoint intervention
(during weeks four-six of classes), and postintervention (the three weeks after classes
complete) physiologic and behavioral assessments. Outcomes will be computed as the difference
between preintervention and postintervention scores, while midpoint intervention scores will
be used to give a sense of the timecourse of change for each measure.
It is expected that one student on average will be unable to successfully complete a given
class series. Enrollment procedures will be adapted if necessary. As per our "intent to
treat" approach (see below), children will be included in primary analyses irrespective of
adherence to protocol (i.e., attendance). However, children may be requested to leave the
class if their absence becomes disruptive. In total, we anticipate a minimum of 18
participants completing the training out of a total of 21 children enrolled.
approaches beyond medication, particularly interventions that could provide sustained
improvements in control of hyperactive, impulsive and distractible behavior. Two lines of
evidence converge to support a movement-based mindfulness training intervention as a
potential stand-alone or adjunct treatment for the treatment of ADHD symptoms. First, decades
of research, including from our lab, has established that many children with ADHD show
impairments in motor control that parallel their impairments in behavioral and cognitive
control. Second, there is mounting evidence that movement-based mindfulness interventions are
effective for enhancing behavioral control in adults, although there has been limited
examination in children. These lines of evidence suggest an outstanding opportunity for
development of novel treatment approaches for ADHD through engagement of the motor system.
In this application we propose to examine the efficacy of a specific movement-based
mindfulness intervention for children with ADHD - Tai Chi. This approach was chosen for a
number of reasons: 1) extensive documentation in the research literature, 2) engagement
afforded by a martial approach to mindful movement, and 3) scalability given the existing
availability of Tai Chi instruction in the United States and the ease of performing gentle
Tai Chi movements even in the presence of physical limitation. Consistent with the
"Fast-Fail" approach in the first two years (R21 phase) we will investigate the impact of Tai
Chi on the motor system targets our lab has established as highly correlated with measures of
classic ADHD symptoms. Specifically, we will measure SICI (short-interval intra-cortical
inhibition via TMS) and overt movement behavior resulting from failures of motor control
(mirror overflow and motor impersistence). Milestones will comprise successful motor system
target engagement in the context of Tai Chi training. The findings will lay a foundation for
the clinical exploration of Tai Chi and other movement-based mindfulness training approaches
in ADHD and other conditions where the motor system is implicated. Our brain-based approach
further provides a clear path for reliable assessment as well as integration with the
cognitive neuroscience literature on inhibition and other aspects of cognitive control.
The motor system provides a locus for the integration of multiple neural systems, with clear
abnormalities in inhibitory function in ADHD. An intervention targeting the motor system
stands to make productive contact with these motor system targets. Indeed, there is broad
evidence for the efficacy of Tai Chi (and other mindfulness-based movement training) in
addressing a wide range of issues, including high level cognitive functions such as
attentional control.2 The majority of these effects have been established in adults, but
given the greater brain plasticity documented in children,1 we have reason to expect strong
effects in children. Indeed, successes have been reported in child populations as early as
preschool.32 Moreover, there is a recognized need for physiologic biomarkers in mindfulness
and movement training studies.15 Our robust ability to track changes in specific motor
markers at behavioral and physiologic (from TMS) levels, provides an ideal target measure to
establish specificity in a Tai Chi training intervention.
Overview of intervention
Tai Chi is a form of exercise with a variety of components and a strong cultural tradition.
In consultation with experienced teachers of Tai Chi, we have received consistent feedback
that "martial applications," and specifically push hands, will likely be a valuable component
of training for children with high distractibility. Central to the martial practice of Tai
Chi is a collaborative game called "Push Hands," in which partners attempt to push one
another off balance without the use of strong effort. Push hands, and other Tai Chi inspired
"games" will be used to motivate engagement in slower, more focused movement training: Tai
Chi warm-up, postural and breathing exercises, and a section of a Tai Chi form. We expect
these components to collectively drive learning and development of behavioral control in the
motor domain, with high potential for impact on other features of ADHD.
The Tai Chi instructor, a graduate student from the Johns Hopkins Tai Chi club, has extensive
experience with youth instruction, as well as a keen understanding of the relationships
between Tai Chi and "hard" martial arts from over 20 years of practice in martial arts,
including 12 years of Tai Chi. An assistant instructor will additionally be engaged to assist
with maintaining class focus. All instructors will be certified for ethical treatment of
human subjects, as well as standards for youth physical education. Sessions will be held in
an athletic facility on the Kennedy Krieger Institute (KKI) Greenspring campus. The athletic
facility was designed and equipped for children with a range of abilities as part of the LEAP
Program (Life-skills and Education for Students with Autism and other Pervasive Behavioral
Challenges). It is advantageously located on a campus that is very convenient for most
Baltimore area families. The facility moreover has a high-impact floating rubber floor. This
environmentally friendly and slip-resistant flooring provides cushioning, which reduces
fatigue and potential for injury to the participants during physical activities.
Recruitment and testing
Recruitment, preintervention data collection (see below for details), and logistical
preparation will commence as early as is practicable once the funding period is established.
At least three sessions will be completed, scheduled so as to ensure sessions both during the
school year and during summer break. Six-eight students will be enrolled in each session,
with a target of five-seven children successfully completing each session and participating
in preintervention (three week period prior to the start of classes) , midpoint intervention
(during weeks four-six of classes), and postintervention (the three weeks after classes
complete) physiologic and behavioral assessments. Outcomes will be computed as the difference
between preintervention and postintervention scores, while midpoint intervention scores will
be used to give a sense of the timecourse of change for each measure.
It is expected that one student on average will be unable to successfully complete a given
class series. Enrollment procedures will be adapted if necessary. As per our "intent to
treat" approach (see below), children will be included in primary analyses irrespective of
adherence to protocol (i.e., attendance). However, children may be requested to leave the
class if their absence becomes disruptive. In total, we anticipate a minimum of 18
participants completing the training out of a total of 21 children enrolled.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Children must meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD on the Kiddie Schedule for Affective
Disorders and Schizophrenia
- Comorbid oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and simple phobias are permitted
- right handed
- Stimulant or no medication
Exclusion Criteria:
- left handed
- 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.
- history of speech/language disorder or a Reading Disability (RD)
- 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
- previous participation in Tai Chi Training
- parent and child report signs of puberty above Tanners-2
- Female participants will be excluded if they are pregnant or may be pregnant
- Non-stimulant psychoactive medications (e.g., atomoxetine, clonidine, tricyclic
antidepressants, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors)
We found this trial at
1
site
Baltimore, Maryland 21211
Principal Investigator: Stewart Mostofsky, MD
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