Computerized Eye-Tracking Training Improves the Saccadic Eye Movements of Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Abstract

Abnormal saccadic eye movements, such as longer anti-saccade latency and lower pro-saccade accuracy, are common in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of computerized eye-tracking training on improving saccadic eye movements in children with ADHD. Eighteen children with ADHD (mean age = 8.8 years, 10 males) were recruited and assigned to either the experimental (n = 9) or control group (n = 9). The experimental group underwent an accumulated 240 min of eye-tracking training within two weeks, whereas the control group engaged in web game playing for the same amount of time. Saccadic performances were assessed using the anti- and pro-saccade tasks before and after training. Compared to the baseline, only the children who underwent the eye-tracking training showed significant improvements in saccade latency and accuracy in the anti- and pro-saccade tasks, respectively. In contrast, the control group exhibited no significant changes. These preliminary findings support the use of eye-tracking training as a safe non-pharmacological intervention for improving the saccadic eye movements of children with ADHD.

Gaze-Contingent Eye-Tracking Training in Brain Disorders: A Systematic Review

“…Sample sizes were relatively small in the majority of the studies: only five studies included more than fifty subjects [ 25 , 36 , 39 , 46 , 48 ]; ten had 25–50 subjects [ 28 , 29 , 32 , 34 , 37 , 41 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 47 ]; and seven had 10–25 subjects [ 30 , 31 , 33 , 35 , 38 , 40 , 42 ].…”

“…The majority of the included studies are described in this section (14/24). In particular, ET-based training programs were developed to address the following populations: typically developing infants [ 44 , 45 ]; infants at familial risk for ADHD [ 41 ] or with an overt diagnosis of ADHD [ 30 , 31 , 37 , 42 ]; children with RS [ 34 , 35 , 39 ]; children with ASD [ 25 , 36 ]; and very preterm infants [ 40 , 49 ].…”

Analysis of the Learning Process through Eye Tracking Technology and Feature Selection Techniques

“…[38][39][40][41][42]. It can also be used to find out how people with different learning disabilities [45] (ADHD, ASD, etc.) learn.…”

“…This technology is also used in studies on information processing in certain learning processes (reading, driving machines or vehicles, marketing, etc.) in people without impairments [38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45] or in groups with different impairments such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or autism spectrum disorder [45]. In these cases, the objective is to analyse the users' difficulties in order to make proposals for therapeutic intervention.…”

“…This technology is also being used as an accident avoidance strategy [43]. Similarly, this technology can be used to study the behavioural patterns of subjects and to analyse the differences or similarities between different groups [44][45][46]. Eye tracking is also currently being used to test the human-machine interface based on monitoring the control of smart homes through the Internet of Things [47].…”