Cognitive Rehabilitation of Working Memory of Children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Comparing the Effectiveness of Computerized Cognitive Games with Play Therapy

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of cognitive computer games and play therapy based on cognitive rehabilitation on the working memory of children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder(ADHD). This research was carried out using a semi-experimental method and a pre-test-post-test-follow-up design with a control group. Among the statistical population of 7 to 12 year old children suffering from ADHD, referred to Razi Counseling Center in Karaj city . 24 cases were selected by available method in 2021-2022. Samples randomly replaced in cognitive computer games, play therapy based on cognitive rehabilitation and control groups (8 cases in each group). The experimental groups received 12 sessions of intervention. Karchner's N-back test was used to collect data. Data analysis was done using mixed analysis of variance and Bonferroni's post hoc test. The findings showed that cognitive computer games and game therapy based on cognitive rehabilitation are effective on working memory of ADHD children and cognitive computer games was more effective than play therapy. According to the research results, cognitive computer game training has a more significant effect on the working memory of ADHD children, and psychologists are recommended to pay more attention to this intervention to strengthen working memory.