Parent Behavior Management Training for Child ADHD Enhanced to Address Health Behaviors: Comparison of Telemedicine “Telegroup” Versus In-Person Delivery

Abstract

Objective: ADHD is associated with suboptimal health behaviors including physical activity (PA). LEAP is a parent BMT group program enhanced to focus on health behaviors, integrated with mHealth technology. Little is known about implementing BMT via telemedicine “telegroups.” Methods: Children ages 5 to 10 with ADHD and their caregiver wore activity trackers and participated in an 8 to 9 week parent BMT and social media group emphasizing PA, sleep, and screen use. A 7-day child accelerometer-wear and parent and teacher measures were completed pre- and post-group. Groups were in-person prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and in telegroup format during the pandemic. Results: Thirty-three families participated in person and 23 participated via virtual telegroup. Group attendance was superior for telegroup with equivalent satisfaction and skill use. Changes in health behavior and clinical outcomes were equivalent. Conclusions: LEAP is a feasible and novel BMT intervention that can be delivered in an accessible telegroup format with high participation and acceptability.