Engaging in EndeavorRx Video Game Play Can Boost Focus for Children with ADHD
A growing number of individuals often claim to possess the ability to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously with ease. However, managing such endeavors can be particularly challenging for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Routine activities may remain incomplete or overlooked, as children with ADHD struggle to shift their focus from one task to another. As a result, households might be plagued by piles of unfinished homework, spoiled food, dirty dishes, and neglected messages.
In light of this issue, doctors are currently considering a novel approach to complementary treatment in the form of a video game called EndeavorRx. One might question the merits of video games, given concerns associated with excessive screen time and potential detriments to children's mental and emotional health.
However, EndeavorRx was specifically designed for children with ADHD to assist them in focusing their attention on specific tasks without distractions. Dr. Michael Manos, a pediatric behavioral health specialist, explains the game's operation and its potential benefits for children with ADHD.
What is EndeavorRx?
EndeavorRx is a prescription-only, FDA-approved video game aimed at improving attention function in children aged 8-12. Although it does not replace traditional ADHD treatments like medication and behavioral therapy, EndeavorRx represents the first video game to be approved as a non-drug option for addressing ADHD symptoms, such as inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which interfere with a child's development and functioning [1].
ADHD often involves a deficit in executive functions, which include various brain-based behaviors, such as distinguishing between letters or being able to start a task rather than resisting it [2]. EndeavorRx seeks to improve children's ability to concentrate and their visual contrast perception, which aids them in distinguishing between objects [3].
The game employs a digital platform that resembles a typical video game, making it engaging and appealing for children [4]. It integrates cognitive tasks designed to target and strengthen attention and inhibition control, the core areas affected by ADHD [4]. In addition, EndeavorRx's system adapts to the user's performance in real-time, adjusting the difficulty and type of tasks to offer an optimal challenge and maximize therapeutic benefits [4].
How EndeavorRx works
As with any behavioral therapy, scheduling a regular playtime and establishing a routine are essential for children to improve their attention and focus over several weeks while acquiring learned behaviors that can complement other treatments [5].
Children aged 8-12 can download EndeavorRx to Android or iOS devices with the necessary operating systems once they receive a prescription from their pediatrician or healthcare provider [2]. After obtaining the prescription, users create a profile using their prescription information within the app. Those without a prescription can download a playable demo, although it provides only a basic understanding of the game's mechanics and is not designed for continuous use [5].
The game closely resembles Mario Kart, requiring players to guide an alien spaceship through various worlds by tilting the device's screen. To collect targets appearing on the screen, players tap the right side while avoiding obstacles, gates, and power-ups [3]. By doing so, EndeavorRx aids hand-eye coordination, visual discrimination, and the ability to concentrate [3].
Users play for 25 minutes daily, five days a week, completing six to eight missions at a time, depending on their progress. Each daily session is structured in accordance with the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics regarding screen time for children [5].
Clinical studies involving over 600 children with ADHD support the game's ability to improve attention function. One study demonstrated improved attentional performance after four weeks of using EndeavorRx, while another showed that combining EndeavorRx with medication treatment improved related impairment during two consecutive four-week periods [6].
The enrichment data strongly supports the relevance of the article, as it provides an in-depth explanation of the game's structure, target population, and complementary role alongside other treatments, as well as its effectiveness, as substantiated by clinical studies.
- While some people claim to multitask effortlessly, it can be particularly difficult for children with ADHD to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Unfinished homework, spoiled food, dirty dishes, and neglected messages might accumulate in households due to this difficulty in focus shifting.
- In an attempt to help children with ADHD, doctors are considering the video game EndeavorRx as a complementary treatment.
- Although video games are often associated with excessive screen time, EndeavorRx is a prescription-only, FDA-approved game designed specifically for children with ADHD to improve their attentional function.
- EndeavorRx targets thecore areas affected by ADHD, such as attention and inhibition control, through cognitive tasks integrated into a digital platform resembling a typical video game.
- The game's system adapts to the user's performance in real-time, offering an optimal challenge that can help maximize therapeutic benefits.
- To be effective, regular playtime and a routine should be established for children aged 8-12 who are playing EndeavorRx.
- The game can be downloaded onto Android or iOS devices once they receive a prescription from their pediatrician or healthcare provider.
- EndeavorRx shares some similarities with Mario Kart, requiring players to guide an alien spaceship through various worlds by tilting the device's screen.
- play for 25 minutes daily, five days a week, completing six to eight missions at a time, depending on their progress, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
- Clinical studies involving over 600 children with ADHD have supported the game's ability to improve attention function, either as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with medication.
