NCT03221244 · University of California, Davis
Virtual Reality Attention Management
(VRAM)
What this study is about
Problems with distraction are widespread in the 21st century, but for people with developmental delays or behavioral challenges they can have more damaging effects. For example, susceptibility to distraction is associated with worse school and social performance, lower high school graduation rates, and increased incidence of serious accidents.
View original scientific description
Problems with distraction are widespread in the 21st century, but for people with developmental delays or behavioral challenges they can have more damaging effects. For example, susceptibility to distraction is associated with worse school and social performance, lower high school graduation rates, and increased incidence of serious accidents. The investigators' goal is to improve understanding of distractibility and develop a targeted treatment. The proposed intervention is based on models of habituation, which is a term that means reduced physiological and emotional response to a stimulus (e.g. moving object, or loud noise, etc.) as it is seen repeatedly. The investigators use virtual reality technology to show study participants distracting stimuli repeatedly in a virtual classroom setting, and their hypothesis states that participants will improve attention in the face of distraction by training with this technology intervention. The virtual classroom setting is especially relevant for children who have significant challenges with distractibility, such as children with ADHD. This intervention will likely be effective in helping individuals with other clinical disorders and perhaps the general population as well.
Interventions
DEVICE
VR Treatment
Distractors
DEVICE
VR Active Control
No distractors
Primary outcome measures
Decrease in the amount of eye movements toward the distractors and/or shorter duration of fixation on distractors.
Time frame: 5-7 weeks
Successful distractor suppression = improvement in number of orienting eye saccades toward distractors and duration of fixations by a statistical effect size of 0.5 or greater.
Decrease in the amount of head movements toward the distractors
Time frame: 5-7 weeks
Successful decrease in head movements = improvement in extent or duration of head movements by a statistical effect size of 0.5 or greater.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Significant (T score \>= 60) ratings of Cognitive Problems/Inattention or DSM Inattention scale scores on the Conners' Parent or Teacher Rating Scale-3 or Parent ADHD Rating Scale-IV (ADHD-RS)
- Endorsement of 4 or more symptoms of inattention on a clinical psychiatric interview (e.g. Parent DISC, DICA, Kiddie-SADS, Mini-KID)
- Comfortable using a computer
- Full Scale IQ \> 80
Exclusion criteria
- Psychosis (by parent report at phone screen), significant depression, autism (15 or \> on Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ)), psychotic disorders, visual or hearing impairment or any other disorder that may interfere with task performance
- It is in the investigator's opinion that it is not in the subject's best interest to continue
- Subject is non-compliant with training schedule
- Subjects on pharmacotherapy for ADHD at the time of enrollment will be excluded from Aims 3 and 4.
- Subjects starting behavioral or psychological treatment for ADHD during the training phase of the study will be excluded
Where
- Sacramento, California
Collaborators
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 15, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations