A trial-by-trial analysis reveals more intense physical activity is associated with better cognitive control performance in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Abstract

Hyperactivity is a key symptom and the most observable manifestation of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The over-activity associated with ADHD can cause specific challenges in academic settings, extracurricular activities and social relationships. Cognitive control challenges are also well-established in ADHD. The current study included 44 children between the ages of 10 and 17 diagnosed with ADHD or who were typically developing (TD), all of whom had no psychiatric co-morbidity or significant learning disorders. Participants wore an actometer on their ankle while performing a flanker paradigm in order to objectively measure their rates of activity in association with cognitive control. Analyses assessed the relationship between frequency and intensity of activity to task accuracy on trial by trial basis. A significant interaction effect between group and performance revealed that more intense movement was associated with better performance in the ADHD, but not TD group. The ADHD group demonstrated more intense activity than the TD group during correct (but not error) trials. Within-group, children with ADHD generated higher intensity movements in their correct trials compared to their error trials, whereas the TD group did not demonstrate any within-group differences. These findings suggest that excessive motoric activity associated with clinically significant ADHD symptoms may reflect compensatory efforts to modulate attention and alertness. Future research should systematically explore the relationship between motion in ADHD and how it might be used to improve cognitive performance.

Reprint of: Minimizing noise in pediatric task-based functional MRI; Adolescents with developmental disabilities and typical development

“…The sustained attention and vigilance literature has demonstrated evidence for a decline in attention and performance over time; for example, Helton et al (2005) found a significant decline in attention occurring following about 30 minutes of performing a simulated air traffic control paradigm and Grier et al (2003) found a steady decline in performance over time (measured in 10 minute intervals up to 50 minutes of task time) in their vigilance task. Recent evidence from our laboratory suggests that children with ADHD may increase their levels of activity as a compensatory mechanism to modulate attention and arousal (Hartanto et al, 2016). Therefore longer paradigms may be even more problematic for children with developmental disorders, although this was not supported by significant motion differences in our analysis reported above.…”

Alternative Seating and Students' Perceptions: Implications for the Learning Environment

“…Hartanto, Kraft, Losif, & Schweitzer (2015) found that students with ADHD were able to concentrate at higher levels when given the opportunity to fidget in the classroom. Results of this study support the use of interventions that enable students to fidget while seated.…”

Minimizing noise in pediatric task-based functional MRI; Adolescents with developmental disabilities and typical development

“…The sustained attention and vigilance literature has demonstrated evidence for a decline in attention and performance over time; for example, Helton et al (Helton et al, 2005) found a significant decline in attention occurring following about 30 minutes of performing a simulated air traffic control paradigm and Grier (Grier et al, 2003) et al found a steady decline in performance over time (measured in 10 minute intervals up to 50 minutes of task time) in their vigilance task. Recent evidence from our laboratory suggests that children with ADHD may increase their levels of activity as a compensatory mechanism to modulate attention and arousal (Hartanto et al, 2016). Therefore longer paradigms may be even more problematic for children with developmental disorders, although this was not supported by significant motion differences in our analysis reported above.…”