Neurofeedback training for executive function in ADHD children: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract Executive function deficits are commonly observed in children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This research investigates the effectiveness of neurofeedback training (NFT) in improving executive functions among this group. Studies were meticulously selected fo...
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| Format: | Article |
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Nature Portfolio
2025-08-01
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| Series: | Scientific Reports |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-94242-4 |
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| author | Xiaoke Zhong Xiaoxia Yuan Yuanfu Dai Xinbi Zhang Changhao Jiang |
| author_facet | Xiaoke Zhong Xiaoxia Yuan Yuanfu Dai Xinbi Zhang Changhao Jiang |
| author_sort | Xiaoke Zhong |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Executive function deficits are commonly observed in children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This research investigates the effectiveness of neurofeedback training (NFT) in improving executive functions among this group. Studies were meticulously selected following stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria. The quality of these studies was assessed using the PEDro scale. Seventeen RCT studies were identified, totaling 939 participants. We observed significant improvements in global executive function (p < 0.055), inhibitory control (p < 0.0001) and working memory (p < 0.05) following NFT. Notably, NFT exceeding 1,260 min was more effective in enhancing inhibitory control (p < 0.01) and working memory (p < 0.01). Additionally, the effects of NFT on inhibitory control (p = 0.05) and working memory (p < 0.01) were found to be enduring. NFT is an effective intervention for improving inhibitory control and working memory in children with ADHD. Working memory exhibits a more significant enhancement when the duration exceeds 1260 min, while inhibitory control follows closely behind. Moreover, it has a more sustained effect on working memory, alongside a notable albeit secondary effect on inhibitory control. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-c9b1181f81a64ce6abfbe4bd17c4d827 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2045-2322 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-08-01 |
| publisher | Nature Portfolio |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Scientific Reports |
| spelling | doaj-art-c9b1181f81a64ce6abfbe4bd17c4d8272025-08-20T03:46:08ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-08-0115111310.1038/s41598-025-94242-4Neurofeedback training for executive function in ADHD children: a systematic review and meta-analysisXiaoke Zhong0Xiaoxia Yuan1Yuanfu Dai2Xinbi Zhang3Changhao Jiang4School of Physical Education and Sport Science, Fujian Normal UniversityUniversity of BirminghamSchool of Kinesiology and Health, Capital University of Physical Education and SportsSchool of Kinesiology and Health, Capital University of Physical Education and SportsSchool of Kinesiology and Health, Capital University of Physical Education and SportsAbstract Executive function deficits are commonly observed in children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This research investigates the effectiveness of neurofeedback training (NFT) in improving executive functions among this group. Studies were meticulously selected following stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria. The quality of these studies was assessed using the PEDro scale. Seventeen RCT studies were identified, totaling 939 participants. We observed significant improvements in global executive function (p < 0.055), inhibitory control (p < 0.0001) and working memory (p < 0.05) following NFT. Notably, NFT exceeding 1,260 min was more effective in enhancing inhibitory control (p < 0.01) and working memory (p < 0.01). Additionally, the effects of NFT on inhibitory control (p = 0.05) and working memory (p < 0.01) were found to be enduring. NFT is an effective intervention for improving inhibitory control and working memory in children with ADHD. Working memory exhibits a more significant enhancement when the duration exceeds 1260 min, while inhibitory control follows closely behind. Moreover, it has a more sustained effect on working memory, alongside a notable albeit secondary effect on inhibitory control.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-94242-4Neurofeedback trainingExecutive functionADHDChildrenMeta-analysis |
| spellingShingle | Xiaoke Zhong Xiaoxia Yuan Yuanfu Dai Xinbi Zhang Changhao Jiang Neurofeedback training for executive function in ADHD children: a systematic review and meta-analysis Scientific Reports Neurofeedback training Executive function ADHD Children Meta-analysis |
| title | Neurofeedback training for executive function in ADHD children: a systematic review and meta-analysis |
| title_full | Neurofeedback training for executive function in ADHD children: a systematic review and meta-analysis |
| title_fullStr | Neurofeedback training for executive function in ADHD children: a systematic review and meta-analysis |
| title_full_unstemmed | Neurofeedback training for executive function in ADHD children: a systematic review and meta-analysis |
| title_short | Neurofeedback training for executive function in ADHD children: a systematic review and meta-analysis |
| title_sort | neurofeedback training for executive function in adhd children a systematic review and meta analysis |
| topic | Neurofeedback training Executive function ADHD Children Meta-analysis |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-94242-4 |
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