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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07731893

Occupational Therapy-Based Dance Program for Children With ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition that can affect children's attention, movement, balance, sensory processing, and self-esteem. These difficulties may interfere with participation in daily activities, school performance, and social interactions.

The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate whether an occupational therapy-based dance program can improve cognitive-motor performance, self-esteem, functional balance, and sensory processing in children with ADHD. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving a structured 5-week occupational therapy-based dance program or a control group receiving no intervention during the study period. Outcomes will be assessed before and after the intervention using standardized assessment tools.

The study hypothesizes that children who participate in the occupational therapy-based dance program will demonstrate greater improvements in cognitive-motor performance, self-esteem, functional balance, and sensory processing than children in the control group.

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Key information

Conditions

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders Mental Disorders Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Age range

6 year–12 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Hacettepe University, Department of Occupational Therapy, Pediatric Unit

Ankara, 06100, Turkey (Türkiye)

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Children aged 6 to 12 years.
  • Diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) according to DSM-5 criteria by a qualified physician.
  • Ability to follow verbal instructions and participate in the intervention.
  • Written informed consent obtained from a parent or legal guardian.

Exclusion criteria

  • Presence of neurological, orthopedic, visual, or hearing impairments that could affect participation.
  • Diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, or other major psychiatric disorders.
  • Participation in another structured rehabilitation or dance program during the study period.
  • Inability to complete the assessment procedures.

Treatment and study plan

Occupational Therapy-Based Dance Program

Behavioral

Participants received a structured occupational therapy-based dance program for 5 weeks, consisting of two 45-minute sessions per week (10 sessions in total). The intervention included rhythm- and movement-based activities designed to improve cognitive-motor performance, self-esteem, functional balance, and sensory processing. Sessions were conducted by an occupational therapist following a standardized intervention protocol.

Primary outcomes

  1. Cognitive-Motor Performance

    Time frame: Baseline and immediately after the 5-week intervention

    Cognitive-motor performance assessed using the Praxis and Spatial Perception subdomains of the Dynamic Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment for Children (DOTCA-Ch).

Other outcomes

  1. Self-Esteem

    Time frame: Baseline and immediately after the 5-week intervention

    Self-esteem assessed using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale.

  2. Functional Balance

    Time frame: Baseline and immediately after the 5-week intervention

    Functional balance assessed using the Pediatric Balance Scale.

  3. Sensory Processing

    Time frame: Baseline and immediately after the 5-week intervention

    Sensory processing assessed using the Sensory Processing Measure Home Form.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

IREM CEYHAN

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of an Occupational Therapy-Based Dance Program on Cognitive-Motor Performance, Self-Esteem, Functional Balance, and Sensory Processing in Children With ADHD: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Acronym: OTDANCE-ADHD

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jul 28, 2026
Registry last updated
Jul 28, 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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