A physical activity program improves behavior and cognitive functions in children with ADHD: an exploratory study.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study is to explore the effects of a moderate- to high-intensity physical activity program on fitness, cognitive functions, and ADHD-related behavior in children with ADHD.


METHODS
Fitness level, motor skills, behaviors, and cognitive functions are assessed by standardized tests before and after a 10-week training or control period.


RESULTS
Findings show that participation in a physical activity program improves muscular capacities, motor skills, behavior reports by parents and teachers, and level of information processing.


CONCLUSIONS
A structured physical activity program may have clinical relevance in the functional adaptation of children with ADHD. This supports the need for further research in the area of physical activity with this population.
Verret
Claudia
C
Université de Montréal, Montréal (Québec), Canada.
Guay
Marie-Claude
MC
Berthiaume
Claude
C
Gardiner
Phillip
P
Béliveau
Louise
L
D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D003071:Cognition; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000523:psychology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome