Physical Activity and Adhd: Evidence on Developmental Trajectories, Transient and Durable Neurocognitive Effects, and Real-World Applications

Abstract

THE PROBLEM: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), the most common childhood mental health disorder in the United States, is the behavioral manifestation of neurodevelopmental delays. Physical activity (PA) is broadly accessible, culturally acceptable, and influences many of the same neurocognitive systems delayed in ADHD. These factors make PA a potential tool in treatment and management plans. This selective qualitative review synthesizes findings from studies investigating PA, fitness, and motor coordination in ADHD. INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Studies of PA [and related constructs] in youth on the spectrum for ADHD. MAIN RESULTS: Cross-sectional studies suggest children with ADHD evidence similar or higher PA levels than typically developing peers in childhood-a period when most PA is free play-but any advantages dissipate by adolescence, as PA programs become increasingly structured and selective. In adulthood, individuals with ADHD are more likely to be obese and less likely to meet healthy lifestyle guidelines. Longitudinal studies suggest that PA at earlier life stages predicts symptom severity in subsequent stages. Acute bout experiments suggest transient benefits on neurocognitive function following moderate-intensity activity of limited duration. Multi-week intervention studies have tested diverse formats with results that differ based upon the chosen outcome and comparison group utilized. CONCLUSION AND PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Existing research suggests youth with ADHD may benefit most from PA interventions that challenge cognition and fundamental movement skills in childhood, empower youth to participate in structured programs and meet PA guidelines in adolescence, and strategically time PA bouts to maximize focus during difficult periods of daily routines. RESUMEN PROBLEMA: El trastorno por Déficit de Atención e Hiperactividad (TDAH) es caracterizado por retrasos en el desarrollo neurobiológico. La actividad física (AF) puede influir en varios de los mecanismos neurocognitivos que también son afectados por el TDAH, por lo tanto, puede considerarse parte del tratamiento y manejo del TDAH. Esta revisión sobre TDAH resumirá estudios que evaluaron AF, aptitud física y coordinación motora. CRITERIOS DE INCLUSIÓN/EXCLUSIÓN: Fueron incluidos artículos sobre AF en la niñez en el espectro de TDAH. RESULTADOS: Estudios transversales: niños con TDAH presentan niveles de AF más PENSAR EN MOVIMIENTO. Downloaded from www.revistas.ucr.ac.cr/index.php/pem/ only for personal use.Palabras Claves: ejercicio, aptitud física, coordinación motora, salud mental, desarrollo en la niñez COLLOQUIAL SUMMARY:Some children have severe difficulties paying attention, controlling themselves, and sitting still. These are symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Conventional treatments for ADHD are therapy and medication. Findings from a modest number of crosssectional, longitudinal, short bout, and multi-week intervention studies show benefits of physical activity for brain function, thinking, ...

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