Structured Brain Exercises Improve ADHD Symptoms: Harvard Study Summary

Recent research from Harvard University’s McLean Hospital, published in Psychiatry Research, examined the effects of a structured, multi-modal brain training program on children with ADHD. The study included children aged 8–14 who completed a 15-week program of exercises focusing on physical, sensory, timing, and cognitive skills.

Study Goals

The research aimed to determine whether targeted brain training could improve attention, reduce impulsivity, and enhance other ADHD-related behaviours. Assessments included parent and clinician ratings as well as laboratory measures of attention and inhibitory control. The study also sought to identify which areas of ADHD—such as inattention, hyperactivity, and social functioning—were most impacted.

Participants

• ADHD Group: 16 children (ages 8–14) meeting DSM-IV criteria for ADHD, 9 of whom were unmedicated

• Control Group: 8 typically developing children

All participants completed the same exercises over 15 weeks, five times per week. The exercises were standardised, with no additional personalised coaching.

Key Findings

Parent and Clinician Ratings

• Significant reduction in overall ADHD symptoms, especially inattention and hyperactivity

• Improvements were consistent across medicated and unmedicated children

• Positive changes observed in social interactions, schoolwork, and daily behaviours

Laboratory Measures

• Enhanced ability to sit still and maintain focus

• Improvements in accuracy and performance on continuous attention and inhibitory control tasks

• Behavioural effects were similar to low doses of stimulant medication but achieved through non-pharmacological methods

Dr. Martin Teicher, lead investigator, noted:

“Targeted brain exercises had meaningful behavioral and neurobiological effects, offering a promising non-medication option for children with ADHD.”

Implications

• ADHD symptoms can be meaningfully reduced through structured, evidence-based brain training programs

• Functional disconnection and timing deficits in the brain can improve through consistent, targeted exercises

• The findings support non-pharmacological approaches as viable complements to traditional treatments

Access the Study

For those interested in the full research article:
Harvard University / McLean Hospital Study – Psychiatry Research, January 2023

Learn More

Connected Kidz programs, inspired by the Melillo Method™, use these research-backed principles to support neurodivergent children with practical exercises that enhance attention, executive function, and everyday skills.

Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research:

• Jackson, R., & Wild, J. (2021). Effect of the Brain Balance Program on Cognitive Performance in Children and Adolescents with Developmental and Attentional Issues. Journal of Attention Disorders

ScienceDirect Article:

• Jackson, R., & Wild, J. (2022). Open assessment of the therapeutic and rate-dependent effects of brain training on cognitive performance. Brain and Cognition