Using virtual reality to improve attention in children with ADHD
Official title: A Feasibility and Efficacy Study of NeuroTrainer Cognitive Training in Students With and Without Attention-Related Difficulties
Funded at Neurotrainer INC · NIH-11006829 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a fun virtual reality game called NeuroTrainer can help kids with ADHD improve their focus and thinking skills, and it will include 155 students to see how well it works in schools.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Neurotrainer INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $489,314 |
| NIH project number | 1R43MH135599-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11006829 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years, particularly those diagnosed with ADHD or exhibiting attention-related difficulties.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have attention-related difficulties or are outside the age range of 0-11 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of a virtual reality cognitive training program called NeuroTrainer to help children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) improve their attention and executive function. The program combines physical activity with cognitive challenges in an engaging VR environment, aiming to enhance real-world skills and academic performance. The study will involve 155 students, both with and without ADHD, to evaluate the effectiveness of this innovative approach in school settings. By focusing on immersive experiences, the research seeks to motivate students and facilitate better learning outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective non-pharmaceutical intervention for children with ADHD, potentially improving their academic performance and daily functioning.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary testing of similar VR cognitive training approaches has shown feasibility and potential efficacy, indicating promise for this novel intervention.
Where this research is happening
-
Neurotrainer INC
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nyquist, Jeff — Neurotrainer INC
- Study coordinator: Nyquist, Jeff
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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NeuroTrainer VR program for students with attention challenges
A virtual-reality NeuroTrainer program combines movement and varied attention games to help children and adolescents with ADHD improve focus and school performance.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.