Effects of Physical Activity Intervention on Motor Proficiency and Physical Fitness in Children With ADHD: An Exploratory Study.
OBJECTIVE
This study explored how a 12-week simulated developmental horse-riding program (SDHRP) combined with fitness training influenced the motor proficiency and physical fitness of children with ADHD.


METHODS
Twelve children with ADHD received the intervention, whereas 12 children with ADHD and 24 typically developing (TD) children did not. The fitness levels and motor skills of the participants were assessed using standardized tests before and after the 12-week training program.


RESULTS
Significant improvements were observed in the motor proficiency, cardiovascular fitness, and flexibility of the ADHD training group following the intervention.


CONCLUSIONS
Children with ADHD exhibit low levels of motor proficiency and cardiovascular fitness; thus, using the combined 12-week SDHRP and fitness training positively affected children with ADHD.
1 National Kaohsiung Normal University, Taiwan.
Chien-Yu
CY
Pan
2 National Taiwan Sport University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Yu-Kai
YK
Chang
3 National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
Chia-Liang
CL
Tsai
1 National Kaohsiung Normal University, Taiwan.
Chia-Hua
CH
Chu
1 National Kaohsiung Normal University, Taiwan.
Yun-Wen
YW
Cheng
1 National Kaohsiung Normal University, Taiwan.
Ming-Chih
MC
Sung
D000293:Adolescent; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills; D010809:Physical Fitness; D016896:Treatment Outcome
ADHD; motor performance; physical activity; physical fitness.