Effect Of Methylphenidate On Balance In Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Effect Of Methylphenidate On Static Balance And Fall Risk In Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Cross-Sectional Study

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that may have poor motor coordination and balance control. The effect of Methylphenidate treatment on balance and fall risk is still unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of methylphenidate (MPH) treatment on balance, fall risk, and sensorimotor integration in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Children who were diagnosed with ADHD for the first time were classified in the ADHD group (n=33), children with ADHD who were treated with MPH for a minimum of 3 months were classified in the treatment group (n=32), and typically developing children were classified in the third-the control group (n=20) in this observational cross-sectional study. Fall risk, static postural balance and sensorimotor integration were assessed using the Biodex Balance System.Postural stability tests, including overall stability index (OSI), anterior-posterior stability index (APSI), and medial-lateral stability index (MLSI), were used to evaluate postural control. The Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction in Balance (m-CTSIB) testing protocol was used to evaluate sensory integration capabilities and balance. Fall risk was evaluated by biodex balance system.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children who were diagnosed with ADHD for the first time according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V, American Psychiatric Association, 2013)

Exclusion Criteria:

• neurological disorders
• psychiatric disorders
• musculoskeletal disorders
• cardiopulmonary diseases
• visual impairments
• developmental coordination disorders that could affect balance