Fidgeting and Attentional and Emotional Regulation in ADHD

Description

This project will study how fidgeting relates to cognitive and emotional functioning in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It will determine, in a laboratory setting, whether movement and access to a "fidget device" providing sensory and motor stimulation can improve cognitive and emotional regulation (including on physiological measures) in adult ADHD. The investigators will also acquire pilot data for machine learning analyses to be used in future, large scale studies to identify gestures and touch characteristics associated with improved cognitive and emotional regulation to see if the data can predict and subsequently develop recommendations to improve performance and emotional control in natural settings (e.g., home, office, college classroom) for adult ADHD.

Conditions

ADHD

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

This project will study how fidgeting relates to cognitive and emotional functioning in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It will determine, in a laboratory setting, whether movement and access to a "fidget device" providing sensory and motor stimulation can improve cognitive and emotional regulation (including on physiological measures) in adult ADHD. The investigators will also acquire pilot data for machine learning analyses to be used in future, large scale studies to identify gestures and touch characteristics associated with improved cognitive and emotional regulation to see if the data can predict and subsequently develop recommendations to improve performance and emotional control in natural settings (e.g., home, office, college classroom) for adult ADHD.

Can Fidgeting Lead to Enhanced Attention and Emotional Regulation in ADHD?

Fidgeting and Attentional and Emotional Regulation in ADHD

Condition
ADHD
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Sacramento

UC Davis MIND Institute, Sacramento, California, United States, 95817

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * ADHD
  • * History of fidgeting
  • * Currently taking psychoactive medication, with the exception of stimulant medication for ADHD or medication that can affect heart rate;
  • * Presence of significant depression or psychotic disorders, autism, visual or hearing impairment or any other disorder that may interfere with task performance; and IQ below 85

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to 30 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

University of California, Davis,

Julie Schweitzer, Ph.D., PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, UC Davis MIND Institute

Study Record Dates

2025-07-01