MUSIC-based occupational therapy improved attention more than structured therapy in children with ADHD after six weekly sessions.
A randomized controlled trial of 39 children aged 5–12 years found that music-based occupational therapy activities may offer added benefit for attention in pediatric attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The intervention, which used harmonica and drum-based activities, was compared with conventional structured occupational therapy delivered over the same period.
ADHD is a multifactorial neurodevelopmental disorder associated with cognitive, motor, sensory, emotional, and behavioral challenges. These difficulties can affect sustained attention, planning, organization, and impulse control, making occupational therapy a potentially useful support strategy for children and caregivers.
Attention Improved After Six Weekly Sessions
Participants were randomly assigned to music-based occupational therapy or structured occupational therapy. Each group received one 45-minute session per week for 6 weeks. Attention was measured using the DSM-V Level-2 Inattention Scale, while executive function was assessed with the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Child Version. Caregiver burden was evaluated using the Zarit Burden Interview.
Across the full study population, pre- and post-intervention assessments showed improvement in attention levels, with a statistically significant time effect. Executive function and caregiver burden also improved numerically, although the reported time effects were not statistically significant.
When time-group interactions were compared, music-based occupational therapy showed a more beneficial effect on attention levels than structured occupational therapy. This suggests that rhythm, melody, and instrument-based activities may help engage children with ADHD in ways that support attention-focused therapeutic goals.
Executive Function and Caregiver Burden
Although attention appeared to show the clearest comparative benefit, the findings also point to broader potential effects on executive function and caregiver burden. Occupational therapy interventions may support children with ADHD by targeting attention, motor skills, and executive processes, while also giving caregivers practical strategies to manage daily challenges.
The authors emphasized the need for future studies using a wider range of musical instruments and intervention plans tailored to specific therapeutic goals. For clinicians, the findings support further exploration of music-based occupational therapy as a structured, engaging adjunct to pediatric ADHD care, particularly when attention is a primary treatment target.
Reference
Erarslan I et al. Effects of music-based occupational therapy activities on attention executive functions in children with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder. PLoS One. 2026;21(5):e0349284.
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