The EndeavorRx Videogame – A Novel Digital Therapy for ADHD in Children

Posted on:November 21, 2022
Last Updated: November 27, 2022
Time to read: 7 minutes

EndeavorRx is a first-of-its- FDA-approved digital therapy device for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) indicated for children aged 8-12, delivered through an immersive video game experience on mobile devices.

In 2010, Owen et al. published controversial results from a 6-week online test that showed that although ‘brain training’ games improved cognitive functioning, this was only specific to that particular cognitive task and was not transferrable to other untrained tasks. [Owen et al. 2010]

  • This study enrolled more than 11,000 participants and focussed on cognitive tasks designed to improve reasoning, memory, planning, visuospatial skills, and attention.

However, this study’s conclusions have been criticised, given the generic nature of the brain training approach used. Several research groups have shown evidence of increased neuroplasticity and the transfer of cognitive abilities when using a more targeted-training method. [Anguera et al 2013]; [Mishra et al 2013]; [Wolinsky et al 2013]

There is no clear evidence that Brain Training Programs as commercially available products are efficacious as advertised, and studies show methodological issues. [Rossignoli-Palomeque et al., 2018]

A targeted-training approach could be a therapeutic tool for patients with specific cognitive control deficits.

It is proposed that targeting the underlying neural mechanisms of attentional control abilities could help ameliorate cognitive dysfunction and improve indices of attention in conditions such as ADHD.

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