Zahra Barati, Mojgan Sepahmansour, Shokoofeh Radfar,
Volume 24, Issue 5 (11-2021)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are a good target group for cognitive rehabilitation Because their behavioral problems, including inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, have a specific cognitive and cerebral origin. This adaptation of behavior to cognitive function provides an opportunity to repair behavior by strengthening cognitive function. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation based on virtual reality technology as a new method and classical cognitive rehabilitation in improving the executive functions of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Methods & Materials: This research was a quasi-experimental study using a pre-test-post-test design with a control group. The statistical population included all children aged 7-12 years with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Tehran in 1398 who were selected by convenience sampling method and randomly divided into 3 groups of 12 people. In the pre-test stage, participants were assessed with the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale and the Computer Integrated Visual and Auditory Test (IVA-2). The first group received a virtual reality-based cognitive rehabilitation package and the second group received a Captain Log computer cognitive rehabilitation package, 12 sessions twice a week. No intervention was performed in the control group during this period. Post-tests were taken from all 3 groups after the intervention. Univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to analyze the data using SPSS software v. 26.
Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Islamic Azad University, Central Tehran Branch (Code: IR.IAU.CTB.REC.1400.001).
Results: The results showed that both methods of cognitive rehabilitation intervention had a significant effect on cognitive functions (selective attention, sustained attention) of Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) children (P<0.01). But no significant difference was observed between the mean scores of selective attention and sustained attention in the first experimental group and the second experimental group (P>0.05).
Conclusion: Virtual reality-based cognitive rehabilitation is as effective as classical cognitive rehabilitation on selective attention and sustained attention in children with ADHD. Virtual reality-based cognitive rehabilitation can be used as a new approach to rehabilitating this disorder.
Mostafa Biglari, Alireza Bahrami, Tooraj Sepahvand,
Volume 28, Issue 5 (12-2025)
Abstract
Introduction: The choice between an active and an inactive lifestyle can have significant physical and cognitive consequences, highlighting a need for further research focusing on the cognitive aspects. The present study aimed to compare executive functions among endurance athletes, resistance athletes, non-athletes, and obese individuals.
Methods: The present study was a descriptive study with a causal-comparative design. The statistical population of the research consisted of men between the ages of 20 and 35 years from Famenin city (Hamadan province). A total of 80 participants were selected and divided into four groups (20 subjects each): endurance athletes, resistance athletes, non-athletes, and obese individuals. Executive functions were assessed using the computerized Tower of London and N-back tests, which measure the components of planning, problem-solving, and working memory, respectively. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's post-hoc tests, with the significance level set at P < 0.05.
Results: The results indicated significant differences in executive functions among the groups. In the components of planning, problem-solving, and working memory, the performance of the non-athletes, resistance, and endurance groups was significantly better than the obesity group. Furthermore, the resistance and endurance athletes performed better than the non-athletes group. In addition, the endurance group was better than the resistance group only in the planning and problem-solving component, and no difference was observed between them in working memory.
Conclusions: Weight control and performing endurance and resistance exercises can be useful for people from a cognitive aspect, and perhaps in some cognitive areas, endurance exercise is more beneficial than resistance exercise.