Lower extremity response time performance in boys with ADHD.
OBJECTIVE
Children with ADHD have been labeled as "uncoordinated" and "inefficient movers"; however, a paucity of research has systematically examined "stimulant-free" motor processing in this population.


METHODS
In the present investigation, the authors employ a cross-lateral integration task to assess the attainment of a motor milestone in a corpus of 16 adolescents with ADHD acutely removed from their daily medication routine (methylphenidate) and 19 age-matched peers. Participants perform a choice response time task involving the lower extremity to targets located at midline and in ipsilateral and contralateral space.


CONCLUSIONS
This investigation finds that children with ADHD have slower lower extremity reaction and movement times compared to controls, and all preadolescent children demonstrate an inhibition in processing movements that require crossing the midline of the body.
Pedersen
Scott J
SJ
New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA. pedersen@nmsu.edu
Heath
Matthew
M
Surburg
Paul R
PR
D000293:Adolescent; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000294:innervation; D008297:Male; D011596:Psychomotor Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000502:physiology*; D012016:Reference Values