Ecological Validity in CPTs via VR for use in ADHD Research

Continuous performance tasks (CPT) such as the traditionally formatted task (TFT) and the sustained attention to response task (SART) have been used extensively in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) research due to their function in assessing symptoms of sustained attention and inhibition via several metrics (e.g.Task performances, reaction times, and brain activity).These tasks, however, poorly reflect daily tasks.This weakens the generality of identified behaviors and their associated metrics.Hence, to further investigate these metrics and to improve the ecological validity of these tasks, the SART and TFT were conducted in a virtual reality (VR) environment with 17 healthy individuals (Mean age: 21.86; SD: 2.061; 11 Males and 6 Females) and 16 people with ADHD traits (Mean age: 23.69; SD: 3.386; 9 Males and 7 Females).Results expressed poorer task performances, increased reaction times, and increased reaction time variabilities in the ADHD group for both tasks, though to an insignificant degree.These results suggest that introducing elements that improve the ecological validity of the TFT and SART via VR (E.g.Lifelike scenarios, interactive environments, distractors) reduce the tasks' demands for the executive functions of sustained attention and inhibition, though further investigation is required.