Balance-based Attentive Rehabilitation of Attention Networks (BARAN) improves executive functions and ameliorates behavioral symptoms in children with ADHD

INTRODUCTION: Balance as a motor activity requires integrating different sensory information to maintain the center of gravity above the base of support through proper motor strategies in the light of cognitive processing. METHODS: In the present study, twenty-nine children with attention deficit- hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were recruited in a random clinical trial design in two intervention and active control groups. The N-Back, Wisconsin Card Sorting, Go/No-Go tasks, and Conners' Teacher and Parent Rating Scales were performed in baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up sessions. The intervention group received balance-based attentive rehabilitation of attention (BARAN), and the active control group received aerobic exercise and running in 12-15 sessions. RESULTS: BARAN improves working memory (P < .05), cognitive flexibility (P < .01), and inhibitory control (P < .05) and ameliorates ADHD symptoms at home (P < .01) and school (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Dual-balance and cognitive tasks improve executive functions and ameliorate symptoms in children with ADHD.