Effects of Methylphenidate on Motor Performance in Young Adults with ADHD

The Effects of a Single Dose of Methylphenidate on Motor Performance

PHASE4 · Loewenstein Hospital · NCT04283604

This study tests if a single dose of a common ADHD medication can help young adults with ADHD improve their motor skills compared to those without ADHD.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 45 Years
SexAll
SponsorLoewenstein Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (Netanya)
Trial IDNCT04283604 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates how a single dose of methylphenidate (MPH) affects motor performance in young adults diagnosed with ADHD compared to a control group without ADHD. The research involves 200 participants, including 100 diagnosed with ADHD and 100 healthy individuals, who will undergo various motor tests across two sessions. Participants will perform these tests either with or without their usual ADHD medication, allowing for a comparison of performance under different conditions. The study aims to determine if MPH enhances motor skills that require concentration.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are young adults aged 18-45 diagnosed with ADHD and currently treated with methylphenidate.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic illnesses other than ADHD or those taking chronic medications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into optimizing treatment for ADHD patients to improve their motor performance.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown mixed results regarding the effects of MPH on motor performance, making this approach both relevant and exploratory.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Students age 18-45 years old studying at the academic college at Wingate. For the treatment group we will recruit students who were previously diagnosed by a neurologist or psychiatrist or other ADHD physician specialist as having ADHD, and are treated with a methylphenidate (Ritalin; Ritalin SR; Ritalin LA; Concerta) at least 3 months before the first session. Control group will consist of students without ADHD.

Exclusion Criteria:

any chronic illness other than ADHD (e.g. asthma, gastrointestinal, depression, anxiety, etc.), taking chronic medications apart from stimulant therapy.

Where this trial is running

Netanya

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: ADHD, Concerta, Physical Activity, Motor test, Exercise, Ritalin

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.