Effects of Music-Based Occupational Therapy on Attention and Executive Functions in Children With ADHD (MBOT-ADHD)

Medipol Health Group

Status: Completed

Conditions: Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Treatments: Behavioral: Music-Based Occupational Therapy

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07253558

E-10840098-772.02-2028

Details and patient eligibility

About

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects children's attention, behavior, and emotional regulation. This study examined whether occupational therapy sessions that include structured music activities can improve attention and executive functions in children with ADHD compared to standard occupational therapy. Thirty-nine children aged 6 to 17 participated and were randomly assigned to two groups. The music-based group received 45-minute sessions once a week for six weeks using harmonica and drum activities, while the control group received standard occupational therapy. Children's attention, executive skills, and caregiver stress were measured before and after the intervention using standardized parent-report scales. Both groups improved after therapy, but the music-based occupational therapy group showed greater gains in attention.

Full description

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, motor control, and executive functioning. In addition to pharmacological approaches, behavioral and sensory-based occupational therapy interventions are increasingly being used to support self-regulation and participation in daily activities.

This randomized controlled study was conducted to evaluate the effects of occupational therapy-based music activities on attention, executive functions, and caregiver burden in children with ADHD. Thirty-nine children aged 6-17 years with a clinical diagnosis of ADHD were included. Participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group (occupational therapy-based music; n=19) or the control group (standard occupational therapy; n=20). The intervention group received 45-minute sessions once a week for six consecutive weeks. The sessions incorporated harmonica and drum activities to enhance rhythmic coordination, sensory processing, and cognitive engagement within the occupational therapy framework. The control group received standard occupational therapy during the same period, focusing on activity organization, attention training, and behavioral strategies. Outcome measures were collected at baseline and at the end of the sixth week. Attention was assessed with the DSM-V Level 2 Inattention Scale, executive functions with the Childhood Executive Function Inventory (CHEXI), and caregiver burden with the Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale. Statistical analyses revealed significant improvements in all variables in both groups, with a greater effect on attention levels in the music-based occupational therapy group. These findings suggest that structured music-based occupational therapy can be an effective complementary intervention to improve attention, executive function, and family well-being in children with ADHD.

Enrollment: 39 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 5 to 12 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Clinical diagnosis of ADHD
• Being between 5 and 12 years of age.
• Residing in Istanbul.
• The caregiver scoring 21 or above on the Parental Stress Index (PSI).
• The caregiver being between 18 and 65 years of age

Exclusion criteria

• Having an additional diagnosis accompanying ADHD.
• Having experienced a cardiopulmonary problem within the last 3 months.
• Having previously learned to play a musical instrument.
• The caregiver scoring 31 or above on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: N/A

Interventional model: Single Group Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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39 participants in 1 patient group

Music-Based Occupational Therapy

Experimental group

Description:

Participants in the experimental group received music-based occupational therapy for children with ADHD. The sessions were held once a week for six weeks, each lasting approximately 45 minutes. During the sessions, occupational therapy-based music activities were conducted using harmonicas and drums. These instruments were selected for their therapeutic potential to enhance fine motor skills, provide oral-motor sensory input, and promote rhythmic coordination. Sessions were conducted individually in a clinical environment and aimed to improve attention, executive functions, and caregiver-related outcomes.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Music-Based Occupational Therapy