Near and Far Transfer Effects of Computerized Progressive Attention Training (CPAT) Versus Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Practice Among Adults With ADHD.
Pnina Stern, Tamar Kolodny, Shlomit Tsafrir, Galit Cohen, Lilach Shalev
Journal of Attention Disorders May 2023 DOI: 10.1177/10870547231155877 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Non-fully randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 54 |
| Population | Adults with ADHD |
| Interventions | Computerized Progressive Attention Training (CPAT) Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) |
| Duration | Eight 2-hour weekly training sessions; assessments before, immediately after, and 4 months post-intervention |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | ADHD Cognitive training Mindless reading |
| Key findings | Both CPAT and MBSR improved attention functions, but only CPAT produced far-transfer improvements in reading, ADHD symptoms, and learning compared to a passive group, while MBSR improved self-perceived quality of life. At 4-month follow-up, CPAT gains persisted except for ADHD symptoms, whereas MBSR showed mixed preservation. |
Abstract
The present study evaluated the near (attention) and far (reading, ADHD symptoms, learning, and quality of life) transfer effects of a Computerized Progressive Attention Training (CPAT) versus Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) practice among adults with ADHD compared to a passive group. Fifty-four adults participated in a non-fully randomized controlled trial. Participants in the intervention groups completed eight 2-hr weekly training sessions. Outcomes were assessed before, immediately after, and 4 months post-intervention, using objective tools: attention tests, eye-tracker, and subjective questionnaires. Both interventions showed near-transfer to various attention functions. The CPAT produced far-transfer effects to reading, ADHD symptoms, and learning while the MBSR improved the self-perceived quality of life. At follow-up, all improvements except for ADHD symptoms were preserved in the CPAT group. The MBSR group showed mixed preservations. Both interventions have beneficial effects, however only the CPAT group exhibited improvements compared to the passive group.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- Unlocking Flow Through Mindfulness: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. The Journal of Psychology 2026
- Mindfulness-based interventions for adults with ADHD: A systematic review and meta-analysis Medicine September 12, 2025
- Assessing the impact of mindfulness programs on attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: a systematic review. BMC Pediatrics January 14, 2025
Cites 13
- Mindfulness: A proposed operational definition. Clinical Psychology Science and Practice 2004
- Mindfulness Training Improves Working Memory Capacity and GRE Performance While Reducing Mind Wandering Psychological Science March 28, 2013
- The efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder beyond core symptoms: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression. Journal of Affective Disorders September 1, 2021
- The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Therapies for ADHD: A Meta-Analytic Review Journal of Attention Disorders March 1, 2020
- The Efficacy of Adapted MBCT on Core Symptoms and Executive Functioning in Adults With ADHD: A Preliminary Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Attention Disorders February 2019
and 8 more in the library