Research Article
Issue Date: September/October 2017
Published Online: July 24, 2017
Updated: April 30, 2020
Impact of the Cognitive–Functional (Cog–Fun) Intervention on Executive Functions and Participation Among Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Jeri Hahn-Markowitz; Itai Berger; Iris Manor; Adina Maeir
Author Affiliations
  • Jeri Hahn-Markowitz, PhD, OTR, is Member, Cognitive Functional Rehabilitation Laboratory, School of Occupational Therapy, Hadassah and Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel, and Occupational Therapist, Private Practice, Israel; jerihahnmarkowitz@gmail.com
  • Itai Berger, MD, is Director, Neuro-Cognitive Center, Paediatric Neurology Unit, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
  • Iris Manor, MD, is Medical Director, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Clinic, Geha Mental Health Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
  • Adina Maeir, PhD, is School Chair and Director of Graduate Studies, School of Occupational Therapy, Hadassah and Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
Article Information
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder / Pediatric Evaluation and Intervention / Children and Youth
Research Article   |   July 24, 2017
Impact of the Cognitive–Functional (Cog–Fun) Intervention on Executive Functions and Participation Among Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, July 2017, Vol. 71, 7105220010. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2017.022053
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, July 2017, Vol. 71, 7105220010. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2017.022053
Abstract

OBJECTIVE. We examined the effect of the Cognitive–Functional (Cog–Fun) occupational therapy intervention on executive functions and participation among children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

METHOD. We used a randomized, controlled study with a crossover design. One hundred and seven children age 7–10 yr diagnosed with ADHD were allocated to treatment or wait-list control group. The control group received treatment after a 3-mo wait. Outcome measures included the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM).

RESULTS. Significant improvements were found on both the BRIEF and COPM after intervention with large treatment effects. Before crossover, significant Time × Group interactions were found on the BRIEF.

CONCLUSION. This study supports the effectiveness of the Cog–Fun intervention in improving executive functions and participation among children with ADHD.