Physical activity improves behaviour in kids with ADHD

Washington, Jan 18 (ANI): A structured physical activity program may help improve muscular capacities, motor skills, behaviour assessments, and the ability to process information in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Children who suffer from ADHD struggle with hyperactive-impulses and have trouble maintaining attention.

Researchers Claudia Verret, Marie-Claude Guay, Claude Berthiaume, Phillip Gardiner, and Louise Beliveau enrolled ten children in a physical activity program that included a warm-up, aerobic activity, muscular and motor-skill exercises, and a cool-down.

The objective of each session was to maintain moderate to high-intensity activity throughout each session as observed by a heart-rate monitor.

"A main finding of this study is that both parents and teachers observed better behavioural scores in the physical activity group," said the researchers.

"This could mean that positive effects of physical activity may occur in different settings of the children's life.

"Considering the beneficial effect of physical activity participation on some important ADHD-related variables, schools and parents of children with ADHD should look to maximize opportunities for structured group physical activity in their children's life," they added.

The study was released in the recent issue of the Journal of Attention Disorders (published by SAGE). (ANI)