Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Leisure Time Physical Activity are Low in Young Men with Elevated Symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Fritz, Kathryn; O’Connor, Patrick J.

doi:10.26644/em.2018.001

Cited by 5 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 31 publications

(34 reference statements)

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“…While not seen in our data, adults with ADHD tend to be less physically active than their neurotypical peers [ 106 , 107 ], and therefore, may especially benefit from an exercise intervention that increases fitness. Given that inhibitory control is the hallmark of executive dysfunction associated with ADHD [ 108 ] and may be especially sensitive to chronic exercise adaptations [ 109 ], exercise programs that increase CRF in adults with ADHD may be supportive of their inhibitory control functioning and should be explored in future research.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 79%

Exploring the Relationship between Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Executive Functioning in Adults with ADHD

et al. 2023

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Objective: Associations between measures of executive functioning (EF) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) were examined for adults with and without ADHD. Method: Measures of executive functioning including the Stroop task, Wisconsin Card Sorting task, and Operation Span Task were completed virtually (n = 36 ADHD; n = 36 Control). Participants completed the Six-Minute Walk Test to estimate CRF. Results: Mean performance measures of executive function did not differ by group. However, higher estimated CRF was associated with better Stroop task performance, and the association was strongest for individuals with ADHD. Conclusion: In adults with ADHD, higher estimated CRF was associated with better inhibitory control, but not with other measures of executive functioning.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 79%

Exploring the Relationship between Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Executive Functioning in Adults with ADHD

et al. 2023

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“…When compared to their neurotypical peers, the average estimated CRF for participants with ADHD was not statistically different. Prior research has reported lower CRF in men with ADHD ( K. Fritz & O’Connor, 2018 ; Jeoung, 2014 ), whereas our sample was predominantly women (ADHD = 64%; control = 75%), suggesting there may be gender or sex differences to explore. It is also important to note that the association between fitness and perceived stress was only observed for individuals with mild ADHD symptoms.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 69%

“…Higher CRF, which reflects our ability to intake and circulate oxygen throughout the body to meet task demands ( Caspersen et al, 1985 ), has been associated with better mental health and fewer incidents of mental illness in neurotypical populations ( Kandola, Ashdown-Franks, Hendrikse, et al, 2019 ; Schuch et al, 2016 ) and individuals with stress-related exhaustion disorder ( Lindegård et al, 2019 ). Importantly, there is some evidence to suggest that those with ADHD may have lower CRF ( K. Fritz & O’Connor, 2018 ; Jeoung, 2014 ) and higher incidences of mental illness ( C. M. Jensen & Steinhausen, 2015 ). However, the relationship between CRF and mental health in adults with ADHD has yet to be explored.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mental Health in Adults With ADHD: Examining the Relationship With Cardiorespiratory Fitness

2023

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Objective: The mental health of adults with ADHD was compared to neurotypical controls, and associations between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and mental health were examined. Method: Seventy-two participants ( n = 36 with ADHD) completed demographic questions assessing ADHD and mental health symptoms. CRF was estimated using the 6-Minute Walk Test and a self-perception question. Results: Those with ADHD had significantly poorer mental health outcomes than controls ( p < .001), with 50% of adults with ADHD reporting moderate to extremely severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Critically, lower CRF was associated with worse depression, anxiety, and stress (all p ≤ .03) across both groups. Within the ADHD group, those with higher estimated CRF had significantly lower stress. Among participants with less severe ADHD symptoms, those with higher perceived CRF had significantly lower depressive symptoms. Conclusion: In our cross-sectional study, participants with ADHD had poorer mental health than neurotypical controls, and higher fitness was associated with better mental health.

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“…Despite these documented benefits, PA engagement by people with ADHD tends to be lower than their neurotypical peers (i.e., those with typical neurodevelopment; Cook et al, 2015;Fritz & O'Connor, 2018;Quesada et al, 2018) and, in turn, they experience elevated risk of metabolic conditions (e.g., metabolic syndrome and Type 2 diabetes; Landau & Pinhas-Hamiel, 2019). It is conceivable that specific symptoms of ADHD may create unique barriers to engaging in regular PA (Pontifex et al, 2014).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring Barriers and Facilitators to Physical Activity in Adults with ADHD: A Qualitative Investigation

et al. 2023

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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by executive dysfunction. Physical activity (PA) may improve executive dysfunction; however, specific barriers and facilitators to PA participation for adults with ADHD have not been formally documented, which was the aim of the present study. Thirty adults with ADHD completed virtual semi-structured interviews, which were analyzed thematically and guided by the Theoretical Domains Framework. Expressions of both barriers and facilitators to PA were identified. Themes such as executive dysfunction (described as forgetfulness, difficulty with sustained focus, and time management), poor self-esteem, and lack of motivation were seen as barriers to PA. Key facilitators were tied to the benefits of being physically active including improvements in executive functioning, mood, and mental health during and after activity, as well as the enjoyment of being active with others. To better support adults with ADHD in initiating physical activity, it is crucial to develop unique resources that are tailored to their specific needs. These resources should be designed to minimize barriers and maximize facilitators, while also supporting the awareness and acceptance of neurodiverse experiences.

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Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Leisure Time Physical Activity are Low in Young Men with Elevated Symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Abstract: Exercise Medicine 2018; 2:1 | https://doi

Cited by 5 publications

References 31 publications

Exploring the Relationship between Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Executive Functioning in Adults with ADHD

Exploring the Relationship between Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Executive Functioning in Adults with ADHD

Mental Health in Adults With ADHD: Examining the Relationship With Cardiorespiratory Fitness

Exploring Barriers and Facilitators to Physical Activity in Adults with ADHD: A Qualitative Investigation

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