Can a virtual classroom train young brains to tune out distractions?
NCT ID NCT03221244
First seen Aug 07, 2026 · Last updated Aug 07, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether a virtual reality program can help children with ADHD improve their attention by repeatedly exposing them to distractions in a simulated classroom. The idea is that, like getting used to a loud noise, children may become less reactive to distracting sights and sounds over time. Researchers will measure eye and head movements toward distractions, as well as behavior and clinical ratings, to see if the training works.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Virtual reality attention management program using repeated exposure to distractors in a virtual classroom
- What this could lead to
- If effective, this VR training could become a non-drug tool to help children with ADHD and others improve focus in distracting environments.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small early-stage study, and success in the virtual classroom may not translate to real-world attention. The training may also be less effective for some children.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 50 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jun 2016
- Expected to finish
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Jul 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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8 to 12 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Significant (T score \>= 60) ratings of Cognitive Problems/Inattention or DSM Inattention scale scores on the Conners' Parent or Teacher Rating Scale-3 or Parent ADHD Rating Scale-IV (ADHD-RS) * Endorsement of 4 or more symptoms of inattention on a clinical psychiatric interview (e.g. Parent DISC, DICA, Kiddie-SADS, Mini-KID) * Comfortable using a computer * Full Scale IQ \> 80 Exclusion Criteria: * Psychosis (by parent report at phone screen), significant depression, autism (15 or \> on Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ)), psychotic disorders, visual or hearing impairment or any other disorder that may interfere with task performance * It is in the investigator's opinion that it is not in the subject's best interest to continue * Subject is non-compliant with training schedule * Subjects on pharmacotherapy for ADHD at the time of enrollment will be excluded from Aims 3 and 4. * Subjects starting behavioral or psychological treatment for ADHD during the training phase of the study will be excluded
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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UC Davis MIND Institute
RECRUITINGSacramento, California, 95817, United States
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