title: The effects of physical activity on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms: the evidence.
abstract: Evidence supports the beneficial effects of physical activity (PA) on cognitive performance and suggests that effects might be particularly large for children. However, limited research has explored PA as a means of managing behavioral symptoms and improving cognitive performance of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The etiology of ADHD and the putative mechanisms for the effects of PA on cognitive performance suggest that PA might be especially important for this population.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this paper is to review the literature regarding the potential of PA for ADHD symptom management, particularly in regard to behavioral and cognitive symptoms.
  
  
  METHODS
  Literature was reviewed for published and unpublished research specifically examining the effects of PA on cognitive and/or behavioral symptoms of ADHD. Additionally, potential mechanisms were addressed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Albeit limited, current research generally supports the potential for acute and chronic PA to mitigate ADHD symptoms.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Given the generally supportive extant literature and the challenges that face children with ADHD, future research exploring the potential of PA with this population is advocated.
authors.affiliation: Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, Campus Box 1126, Vadalabene Center, Edwardsville, IL 62026, USA. jgapin@siue.edu
authors.forename: Jennifer I
authors.initials: JI
authors.lastname: Gapin
authors.forename: Jeffrey D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Labban
authors.forename: Jennifer L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Etnier
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology*; D003071:Cognition; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D013177:Sports