OBJECTIVE: Physical activity associates with mental health and neurocognitive function, showing potential for addressing ADHD symptoms. As a preliminary assessment of this potential, the authors piloted a before-school physical activity intervention for young children. METHOD: Seventeen children (Grades K-3) exhibiting four or more hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms on the Disruptive Behavior Disorders Rating Scale (Pelham, 2002) completed about 26 min of continuous moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily over eight school weeks. The authors administered cognitive, motor, social, and behavioral functioning measures at pre- and postprogram, assessed response inhibition weekly, and coded negative behaviors daily. RESULTS: Several measures showed significant or marginally significant change over time (effect size = 0.35-0.96) with additional measures showing meaningful effect size values (≥ 0.20). Response inhibition effects were most consistent. Most participants (64% to 71%) exhibited overall improvement according to postprogram parent, teacher, and program staff ratings. CONCLUSION: Physical activity shows promise for addressing ADHD symptoms in young children.
OBJECTIVE: Physical activity associates with mental health and neurocognitive function, showing potential for addressing ADHD symptoms. As a preliminary assessment of this potential, the authors piloted a before-school physical activity intervention for young children. METHOD: Seventeen children (Grades K-3) exhibiting four or more hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms on the Disruptive Behavior Disorders Rating Scale (Pelham, 2002) completed about 26 min of continuous moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily over eight school weeks. The authors administered cognitive, motor, social, and behavioral functioning measures at pre- and postprogram, assessed response inhibition weekly, and coded negative behaviors daily. RESULTS: Several measures showed significant or marginally significant change over time (effect size = 0.35-0.96) with additional measures showing meaningful effect size values (≥ 0.20). Response inhibition effects were most consistent. Most participants (64% to 71%) exhibited overall improvement according to postprogram parent, teacher, and program staff ratings. CONCLUSION: Physical activity shows promise for addressing ADHD symptoms in young children.
Authors: Michael J Kofler; Nicole B Groves; Leah J Singh; Elia F Soto; Elizabeth S M Chan; Lauren N Irwin; Caroline E Miller Journal: Psychol Assess Date: 2020-06-01
Authors: Stephanie D Smith; Lawrence A Vitulano; Liliya Katsovich; Shuaixing Li; Christina Moore; Fenghua Li; Heidi Grantz; Xixi Zheng; Virginia Eicher; Selin Aktan Guloksuz; Yi Zheng; Jinxia Dong; Denis G Sukhodolsky; James F Leckman Journal: J Atten Disord Date: 2016-05-13 Impact factor: 3.256
Authors: Michelle D Guerrero; Joel D Barnes; Jeremy J Walsh; Jean-Philippe Chaput; Mark S Tremblay; Gary S Goldfield Journal: Pediatrics Date: 2019-08-14 Impact factor: 7.124