Effects of Performing Arts on Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Summary

This study examined whether dance-based video gaming could help young adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) improve attention, emotional wellbeing, and self-regulation. ADHD can affect focus, impulse control, coordination, and mood. Although medications are helpful for many individuals, they may produce side effects, may not lead to lasting improvement, or may not be accessible to everyone. Because of this, there has been growing interest in enjoyable, accessible, non-medication approaches to support symptom management. This research evaluated how different activities influenced the brain, body, and behavior. Participants were young adults ages 18-24 with a formal ADHD diagnosis. Each participant completed two visits: a baseline visit and an intervention visit. At baseline, participants completed questionnaires measuring ADHD symptoms, mood, and daily functioning. They also performed computer-based tasks assessing attention, inhibition, mental flexibility, and working memory while wearing an electroencephalography (EEG) cap to measure brain activity and a wearable heart rate monitor. Participants also completed balance assessments using a force plate that measured postural control. At the intervention visit, participants were randomly assigned to one of three 30-minute conditions:

* Dance exergaming (Just Dance video game) - active, dance-based movement
* Stationary biking - aerobic exercise while listening to music and watching dance gameplay videos
* Music listening - seated condition listening to the same music and watching the same videos

During these activities, EEG and heart rate were recorded. Afterward, participants repeated the same brain, cognitive, and balance assessments completed at baseline. A cool-down period was provided in all groups. This study allowed investigators to examine ADHD from multiple perspectives. The study assessed how movement, music, and dance influenced symptoms; how the brain responded during and after these activities; how the heart and nervous system adapted; and how balance and motor control changed. The study also evaluated how these systems (brain, body, and behavior) interacted with one another. By comparing dance exergaming with traditional aerobic exercise and a non-exercise condition, this study aimed to determine whether dance-based activity provided distinct benefits for young adults with ADHD. The goal was to better understand whether fun, creative, and widely accessible activities could support attention, emotional wellbeing, and physical regulation and whether they could complement existing treatment approaches.

Conditions

• ADHD

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Dance Exergaming

Participants in this intervention completed a dance-based exergaming session (Just Dance 2024) using the Nintendo Switch connected to a large projection screen. Each participant engaged in solo gameplay on Just Dance, following an on-screen coach through choreographed dance sequences set to selected songs. Only songs classified by the game developers as "Easy" were used to ensure consistent difficulty and exertion levels across participants. The total gameplay duration was 30 minutes. During the session, participants wore a Polar heart rate monitor to allow researchers to track physiological responses in real time.

BEHAVIORAL

Stationary Cycling

Participants in this intervention completed a stationary bike exercise session while listening to the same songs used in the dance exergaming condition. During biking, they watched prerecorded Just Dance gameplay videos to provide matched audiovisual stimulation across interventions. Before beginning the main session, participants performed a 3-minute self-paced warm-up and completed stretching as needed. Resistance on the bike was adjusted at the participant's preferred pace until they reached 50% of their age-predicted maximum heart rate, calculated as 220 minus age. Heart rate was continuously monitored using a Polar heart rate monitor to ensure they remained within the target training zone. Participants cycled for 30 minutes while listening to the randomized playlist.

BEHAVIORAL

Music Listening

Participants in this intervention remained seated and listened to the same songs used in the Just Dance intervention for approximately 30 minutes in a randomized order. During the session, they also watched prerecorded Just Dance gameplay videos to ensure visual stimulation matched across intervention conditions. During the session, participants wore a Polar heart rate monitor to allow researchers to track physiological responses in real time.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Julia C Basso, PhD · Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

24 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-05-03

Primary Completion

2025-03-26

Completion

2025-03-26

Countries

• United States

Study Locations