title: A physical activity program improves behavior and cognitive functions in children with ADHD: an exploratory study.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Université de Montréal, Montréal (Québec), Canada.
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Verret
authors.forename: Marie-Claude
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Guay
authors.forename: Claude
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Berthiaume
authors.forename: Phillip
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gardiner
authors.forename: Louise
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Béliveau
mesh_terms: 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