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An Exercise Program Designed for Children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder for Use in School Physical Education: Feasibility and Utility
According to this 2019 study, moderate to high intensity exercise can enhance cognitive function and behavior in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) but doing the same exercises for long periods of time or inactivity may result in less engagement and loss of attention. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of exercise sessions designed to engage children with ADHD. There were a total of 12 participants, 6 of whom were diagnosed with ADHD. Each subject undertook 40-minute sessions of short-duration, mixed activities twice a week for 11 weeks. ADHD symptoms and level of exercise enjoyment were reported before the 6- and 11-week mark. There were significant reductions in signs of ADHD in the diagnosed children. Whereas no changes were observed among the control group (those not diagnosed with ADHD). All children equally enjoyed the training sessions. It was deduced that specially designed exercise sessions stimulate children with ADHD and maintain their engagement, while also reducing their ADHD symptoms. The inclusive practice method was implemented in physical education in school and led by the usual teacher. Both children with and without ADHD enjoyed these sessions too and found them to be acceptable. [NPID: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD, attention deficit disorder, exercise, physical activity, attention, ADHD symptoms, school]
Year: 2019
