Exercise in Children Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

The Effects of Combined Exercise Program in Children Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by carelessness, hyperactivity and impulsivity, in which genetic, social and physical factors play an important role. Few studies have revealed the physical activity levels and importance of children with ADHD, but there is no consensus on the components of the physical activity program such as intensity, frequency, and severity. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of combined exercise training on motor proficiency, physical fitness and cognitive status in children with ADHD.

The aim of present study is to investigate the effect of combined exercise training on motor proficiency, physical fitness and cognitive status in children with ADHD. Children will be randomly divided into 3 groups, for 8 weeks the first group will undergo a combined exercise training under the supervision of a physiotherapist, while the second group will receive a home exercise program. children included in the third group will form the control group.

The following assessments will be applied at the beginning and end of treatment.

1. Revised Conners Parent Rating Scale Short Turkish Form
2. Powers and Challenges Survey
3. Edinburgh Hand Preference Survey
4. Two-minute walking test
5. Ten meter walking test
6. Munich Fitness Test
7. Bruininks-Oseretsky Motor Proficiency Test-2
8. Muscle strength evaluation
9. Dynamic Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment
10. Open-ended questions

Inclusion Criteria:

• Having been diagnosed with ADHD according to DSM-V (The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-V) diagnostic criteria,
• Being between the ages of 7-12,
• Right hand being dominant according to Edinburgh Hand Preference Questionnaire,
• After the purpose of the study and the procedures to be explained, both the child and his family agree to participate in the study,
• An appropriate drug treatment program has been organized by the psychiatrist,
• The absence of a contraindicated condition to exercise in physical and medical examination.

Exclusion Criteria:

• A major psychiatric and / or neurodevelopmental problem accompanying,
• A history of head injury or chronic neurological disease,
• Having additional medical diseases that require medication,
• Any changes made in the psychiatric drug treatment by the attending physician for the last 1 month,
• Have participated in a regular exercise program or sporting activity for the past 6 months.