Central executive training shows large improvements in working memory and significant reductions in ADHD symptoms measured both objectively via actigraphy and subjectively via parent- and teacher-reports
Evans et al. (2021) in Evidence-Based Practice in Child and Adolescent Mental Health
Results of recent studies on central executive training targeting working memory, with effects on response inhibition and hyperactivity, are promising.
Matthys & Schutter (2021) in Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review
Clinical trial #1: Head-to-head comparison of Central Executive Training vs. Behavioral Parent Training
Published in Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology (2018) Parents and children found central executive training to be engaging and easy to use, and reported high levels of satisfaction and acceptance Central executive training was superior to behavior therapy for improving working memory and reducing hyperactivity measured via high precision actigraphs Central executive training was equivalent to behavior therapy for improving attention and reducing hyperactivity/impulsivity based on parent report.
Clinical trial #2: Head-to-head comparison of Central Executive Training vs. another computerized cognitive training program
Published in Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology (2020) Parents and children found central executive training to be engaging and easy to use, and reported high levels of satisfaction and acceptance Central executive training was superior to a competing cognitive training program for improving working memory and behavioral inhibition Central executive training was superior to a competing cognitive training program for improving attention and reducing hyperactivity/impulsivity based on both parent and teacher report. The gains made from using central executive training are long lasting and were maintained 2-4 months after the end of training
Study #3: Academic outcomes from clinical trials 1 and 2
Published in Neuropsychology Central executive training was superior to both behavior therapy and a competing cognitive training program for improving academic success, academic productivity, and impulse control at school based on teacher reports Central executive training was superior to behavior therapy and a competing cognitive training program for improving math problem-solving skills based on standardized test results Central executive training was superior to behavior therapy for improving reading comprehension skills based on standardized test results
