Reward Effects on Cognition, Motor Skills, and Motivation in Children

Research problem: children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are inattentive and distractible, which often makes it difficult for physiotherapists to keep them interested, as prolonged activity often causes boredom.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of reward on cognitive function, motor skills and motivation in 8-10 year old children with ADHD after 3 and 6 week interventions.

Objectives of the study:

• To compare the cognitive function of children receiving conventional physiotherapy with that of children receiving reward therapy. 2. To compare the motor skills of the children receiving conventional physiotherapy with those of the children receiving the reward. 3. To compare the motivation of children receiving conventional physiotherapy with that of children receiving rewards.

The hypothesis of the study is that exercise with rewards improves cognitive function, motor skills and motivation better than conventional physiotherapy in children aged 8 to 10 years with attention deficit disorder.

Research methods: the study included 60 boys diagnosed with ADHD. Age: 8-10 years. Subjects were randomly divided into reward and conventional physiotherapy groups. In both groups, subjects performed exercises for balance and coordination for 3 times per week for 45 min, but in one group subjects received a reward using virtual reality.

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosis of ADHD confirmed by a neurologist;
• male gender;
• age between 8 and 10 years.
• ability to read and write;
• patient's willingness to attend physiotherapy sessions;

Exclusion criteria

• claustrophobia;
• neurological disorders (e.g., autism spectrum disorder, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, Tourette's syndrome);
• chronic medical conditions (e.g., cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases);
• previous treatment for ADHD (e.g., pharmacological therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy) within the last six months;
• Medication use.