Evaluation of the Musical Concentration Training with Pepe (MusiKo mit Pepe) for children with attention deficits

Abstract

Objective: This study evaluates the Musical Concentration Training with Pepe (“MusiKo mit Pepe”) for children aged 5 to 10 years with attention deficits.

Method: Using a pre-post-control design (N = 108), changes in attention capacity aremeasured by the Test of Attentional Performance for Children (KiTAP), whereas changes in the quality of life are assessed with the Children’s Questionnaire (KINDL-R). Additionally, we utilized the Symptom Checklist for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (FBB-ADHS) and for Conduct Disorder (FBB-SSV) of the Diagnostic System of Mental Disorders in Children and Adolescents II based on ICD-10 and DSM-IV as well as the Child Behavior Checklist and the Teacher’s Report Form (CBCL, TRF).

Results: Significant pre-post effects were found in both attention and quality of life for children treated by the training compared to controls. Moreover, significant reductions were detected in ADHD symptomatology in parents’ and teachers’ ratings, and in internal problems in parents’ ratings. The effectiveness of the intervention was not affected by age, sex, intelligence, or migration background.

Conclusion: The music-based training “MusiKo mit Pepe” is an effective intervention for children with attention deficits, pending replication of these findings in future studies.