The Effect of Attention on Postural Control

Objective: This study investigates the relationship between postural control and sustained attention in individuals with probable ADHD. Motor control issues, including balance deficits, are observed in 30-50% of children with ADHD. These deficits may extend into adulthood, yet research on postural control in adults with ADHD is limited. This study aims to address this gap by exploring the connection between attention and postural stability in adults with ADHD.

Background: ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, affecting both children and adults. Studies have shown that postural control relies on coordinated functioning of sensory and neuromotor systems, which ADHD may impact. In children, postural challenges are more pronounced in conditions requiring complex sensory integration. However, research on adults with ADHD is sparse, though preliminary findings suggest postural instability and possible links to cerebellar differences.

Methodology: The study evaluates sustained attention and postural control in adults with ADHD, using the Adult ADHD Screening Scale (ASRS-5) and postural stability assessments under dual-task conditions. By examining attention-driven postural responses, the study contributes to developing therapeutic balance protocols for individuals with ADHD.

Hypotheses:

H0: No relationship exists between postural control and sustained attention in individuals with ADHD.

H1: A relationship exists between postural control and sustained attention in individuals with ADHD.

Significance: This study contributes to a better understanding of the neurophysiological links

Completed

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Key information

Conditions

ADHD - Attention Deficit Disorder With Hyperactivity Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders Mental Disorders Neurodevelopmental Disorders Postural Instability

Age range

18 year–30 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Yeditepe University

Istanbul, Ataşehit, 34755, Turkey (Türkiye)

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

Volunteers between 18-30-year-olds
Not having any problems with balance

Exclusion criteria

Having a physical injury in the last 6 months (such as ankle sprain)
Having any neurological disorder
Exercising regularly for the last 12 months

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

Postural Control: Prokin PK 252.

Time frame: 30 minutes

The Prokin device (Prokin PK 252) is a proprioceptive system for static and dynamic balance assessment and training. The device shows multiple programs for balance assessment and treatment. For this experiment, the "Static Stability Assessment Program" will be chosen to provide detailed and precise data of each participant while static standing through the stabilometry platform and the sensor placed on the trunk. Stabilometry allows participants to be evaluated by detecting the oscillation of the Centre of Pressure (CoP) during static standing. The platform of the Prokin device will calculate the CoP sways of the participants and the postural control data will be transferred to the computer screen. The assessment will be done in two conditions: a two-foot standing position without stimulus (eyes open, eyes closed), and a two-foot standing position with dual-task (eyes open, eyes closed). The dual-task procedure involves instructing participants to count down from 100 by 3.

Secondary outcomes

Cognitive tests: Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART):

Time frame: 5 minutes

The Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART) is a computer-based task where participants need to refrain from responding to a rare target (the digit 3) embedded within a series of more frequent non-targets (0-2, 4-9). Participants were instructed to prioritize both accuracy and speed in completing the task.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Yeditepe University

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start: 2024
Primary completion: 2024
Study completion: 2024
First posted: Dec 2, 2024
Registry last updated: Jan 23, 2025

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.

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.

Completed