ISSN: 2640-2734
Authors: Taddonio S and Goodin JB*
Background: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed mental health disorders seen in children and adolescents (Center for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]). The purpose of this study was to determine how various exercise durations were associated with ADHD symptoms among children and adolescents aged 6-17 with ADHD. Methods: The study used a quantitative, quasi-experimental non-equivalent control post-test only design. This sample was 199 parents of children and adolescents with ADHD. A one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was conducted to determine difference in ADHD symptoms measured by the ADHD Rating Scale-5 across three groups of different exercise durations. Results: The difference in ADHD symptoms among the exercise duration groups was statistically significant, F(2,196) = 6.48, p = .002. Post-hoc analysis revealed the high exercise group had lower ADHD mean score compared to the moderate exercise group, while the low exercise group did not differ significantly from the other groups. Conclusion: Further research is needed to look at other exercise parameters. Research should include a larger sample, more gender balanced groups, longitudinal study, more comprehensive assessment tools, classroom-based research, and qualitative research. Practically, exercise should be encouraged to help children and adolescents with ADHD lower their symptoms.
Keywords: Aerobic Exercises; Anaerobic Exercise; Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); Exercise
