Effects of Active Vestibulotherapy on Motor Disorders in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Backgroundand Aim: Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) display obvious balance and motor disorders. Since the vestibular system has a vital role in balance and motor function, the present study was conducted to study the effects of active vestibular stimulation on motor disorders in children with ADHD.
A total of 38 children with normal intelligence quotient (above 90), using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, were diagnosed with ADHD by a psychiatrist based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders )DSM(-IV.TR criteria were included in the study. They were 7-12 years old and were selected from Atieh Rehabilitation Center. Participants were randomly assigned into experimental and control groups, and were evaluated before and after the intervention using the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOTMP). Children in the experimental group received vestibular stimulation intervention three times per week; each session lasted for 30 minutes and was based on a defined protocol. The control group participated only in academic education programs. The collected data were analyzed and compared between the two groups.
Vestibular stimulation resulted in significant changes in gross motor dexterity (P Vestibular stimulation was effective in improving balance, gross motor function, and visual-motor control in children with ADHD.