Does interference of dual-tasks differ between children with ADHD and controls and what is the impact of attention?

Abstract

Everyday life demands handling multiple tasks that need attention simultaneously, which may be challenging for children with ADHD. In this study we tested dual-tasks in a cognitive-motor and motor-motor condition in children with and without ADHD. Sixty-six children (42 children with ADHD; 24 typically developing) participated and were tested on a primary Wii Fit balance task, and two secondary tasks: a cognitive task (counting specific sounds) and a motor task (crossing fingers (CF)), performed in single-task and dual-task conditions. In addition, attentional and motor abilities were measured independently. Children with ADHD presented poorer motor performance (Wii-Fit game, finger crossings) in the single task with large effect sizes, but performed equally on cognitive performance compared with their peers. Dual-task interference was not present in the primary Wii-Fit scores, but clearly and similarly present in the cognitive and CF tasks in both groups. The impact of divided attention on Wii Fit dual-task performance was 6-11%, and on dual-task CF performance 28.8% when combined with motor abilities. Children with ADHD are disproportionately impaired in dual-task situations where they must perform two motor tasks, but not when they perform a motor and a cognitive task.