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NCT Number: NCT04526600

Fidgeting and Attentional and Emotional Regulation in ADHD

This project will study how fidgeting relates to cognitive and emotional functioning in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It will determine, in a laboratory setting, whether movement and access to a "fidget device" providing sensory and motor stimulation can improve cognitive and emotional regulation (including on physiological measures) in adult ADHD. The investigators will also acquire pilot data for machine learning analyses to be used in future, large scale studies to identify gestures and touch characteristics associated with improved cognitive and emotional regulation to see if the data can predict and subsequently develop recommendations to improve performance and emotional control in natural settings (e.g., home, office, college classroom) for adult ADHD.

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Key information

Conditions

ADHD Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders Mental Disorders Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Age range

18 year–30 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

UC Davis MIND Institute

Sacramento, California, 95817, United States

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

Jared Borden

CONTACT

[email protected]

916-703-0294

About this study

Fidgeting is a highly common behavior, with excessive fidgeting associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Studies from the investigator's laboratory and colleagues suggest physical movement can enhance cognitive performance in children with ADHD. Hyper-sensorimotor behavior may be related to impaired regulation of arousal in the noradrenergic and dopaminergic systems. This project will assess if frequency and characteristics of sensorimotor behavior relates to cognitive and emotional response in adults with ADHD, in a fine-grained manner, unlike other studies. The investigators will test if intrinsic fidgeting (Aim 1) and access to a specially designed fidget device (Aim 2) modulates behavioral and physiological response in cognitively and emotionally-demanding contexts. The hype of the commercially available fidget devices, its competitors and fidget spinners suggest it might, but there is no systematic evidence to inform consumers, a gap, the investigators aim to fill.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • ADHD
  • History of fidgeting

Exclusion criteria

  • Currently taking psychoactive medication, with the exception of stimulant medication for ADHD or medication that can affect heart rate;
  • Presence of significant depression or psychotic disorders, autism, visual or hearing impairment or any other disorder that may interfere with task performance; and IQ below 85

Treatment and study plan

Fidget ball

Other

Access to a prototype 'smart' fidget ball with pressure sensors embedded, that produces touch traces and transmits real time data

Primary outcomes

  1. Processing speed

    Time frame: Day 1

    Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task (PASAT)

  2. Working memory

    Time frame: Day 1

    List Sorting Test

  3. Response inhibition

    Time frame: Day 1

    Flanker type test

Secondary outcomes

  1. Physiological response as an index of emotional regulation

    Time frame: Approximately 45 minutes

    Heart rate variability and pre ejection period

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Jared Borden

CONTACT

[email protected]

916-703-0294

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of California, Davis

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Can Fidgeting Lead to Enhanced Attention and Emotional Regulation in ADHD?

Important dates

Study start
2022
Primary completion
2024
Study completion
2026
First posted
Aug 26, 2020
Registry last updated
Jul 6, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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