Can tablet-based cognitive training improve attention and everyday functioning in children and adolescents with ADHD-related symptoms?

Plain English summary of protocol

Background and study aims
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with difficulties with attention, concentration, impulse control and other thinking skills that can affect children's everyday functioning and learning. In the UK, children with ADHD-related difficulties may also experience long waits for assessment and support. There is therefore a need to investigate accessible, non-medication approaches that could support children with attention difficulties.

Mastermind is a tablet-based programme that uses game-like activities designed to exercise attention, memory, processing speed and other thinking skills. It also includes short visual and eye-movement exercises. This study aims to find out whether taking part in the Mastermind programme improves ADHD-related symptoms compared with taking part in other tablet-based educational activities. The study will also examine whether Mastermind is associated with changes in attention and other thinking skills, executive functioning, everyday functioning and educational skills.

Who can participate?
Children and adolescents aged 8–15 years attending participating schools in the Luton and Bedfordshire area of England may be eligible. Parents or carers who are interested in the study will first be asked to complete a questionnaire about their child's attention and behaviour. Children who show elevated ADHD-related symptoms on the Conners 4 questionnaire may be invited to participate.

A formal diagnosis of ADHD is not required. A parent or legal guardian must provide written consent and the child must also agree to participate. Children must be able to complete the tablet-based activities safely. Certain medical conditions that could make the activities unsuitable or unsafe may prevent participation.

What does the study involve?
Children who are eligible and agree to participate will complete assessments before the programme begins. These include questionnaires completed by parents and/or teachers and activities that assess attention, memory and other thinking skills. Children will also complete assessments of eye movements and educational skills.

Participants will then be randomly allocated to one of two groups. One group will complete the Mastermind cognitive training programme. The other group will complete age-appropriate educational activities on a tablet and will act as an active comparison group. Random allocation means that participants cannot choose which group they enter.

Both groups will complete approximately three 20-minute sessions each week for about 14 weeks. The programme is planned to include approximately 42 sessions. Most sessions will take place at school and will be supervised by trained study staff. The study also includes a subgroup completing activities at home.

The Mastermind programme includes game-like cognitive exercises designed to challenge skills such as attention, working memory, processing speed and executive function, together with short visual and eye-movement exercises. Participants in the comparison group will spend a similar amount of time using educational applications but will not receive the Mastermind cognitive training exercises.

Assessments will be repeated immediately after the programme. Where feasible, participants may also complete a later follow-up assessment to examine whether changes are maintained.

Participation is voluntary. Children can take a break during activities or stop participating without penalty, and choosing not to participate or withdrawing from the study will not affect their education or relationship with their school.

What are the main outcomes being measured?
The primary outcome is change in ADHD-related symptoms from before to immediately after the approximately 14-week intervention, measured using the Vanderbilt ADHD Rating Scale.

The secondary outcomes are changes in objective measures of attention and cognitive functioning from before to immediately after the intervention. These include sustained attention and inhibitory control measured using a continuous performance task (mCPT), cognitive performance measured using the Mastermind Assessment, and eye-movement and oculomotor functioning measured using the RightEye system.

Additional exploratory outcomes will examine everyday executive functioning, educational skills, health-related quality of life and other aspects of everyday functioning. The study will also explore participant engagement and whether outcomes differ according to factors such as age and whether training is completed at school or at home.

What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
Children may find the tablet activities enjoyable and may experience improvements in attention, memory or other skills, but improvement cannot be guaranteed. The study may also provide useful information about whether tablet-based cognitive training could help children with ADHD-related difficulties in the future.

The study is considered low risk. Some children may experience temporary tiredness, mild eye strain or frustration while completing the activities. Sessions are relatively short, children can take breaks when needed, and they may stop an activity if they feel uncomfortable. Study staff will supervise school-based sessions and follow the participating schools' safeguarding procedures.

Where is the study run from?
The study is being conducted in participating schools in the Luton and Bedfordshire area of England. It is a collaboration involving the University of Bedfordshire, Mastermind Cognitive Training, CHUMS and participating schools. Most study activities will take place at participating schools, with a subgroup completing the training activities at home.

When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
Participant screening began in 2026. Baseline assessments and the main study are planned to begin in September 2026. The approximately 14-week training period is expected to run from September 2026 to January 2027, followed by post-training assessments. Where feasible, additional follow-up assessments will be conducted later in the 2026–2027 school year.

Who is funding the study?
Mastermind Cognitive Training, USA.

Who is the main contact?
Dr Anastasia Giannakopoulou, University of Bedfordshire, UK, anastasia.giannakopoulou@beds.ac.uk

Contact information

Study information

Eligibility

Locations

Countries of recruitment

• United Kingdom
• England

Study participating centres

Results and Publications

Editorial Notes

14/09/2026: Study’s existence confirmed by the University of Bedfordshire Research Institute Ethics Committee (CRELLA), UK.