Overall , the studies review ed were of moderate-to-high quality and reported benefits of a variety of exercise programmes in improving motor skills , physical fitness , attention and social behaviour in children with ADHD .
However , there was limited information regarding school-based programmes , the effects of structured exercise programmes independently or in combination with cognitive-based therapies , and the long-term benefits of exercises in alleviating behavioural problems in these children
Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ) are educated in classrooms along with typically developing children .
Those with ADHD , however , find it difficult to participate in routine educational and recreational activities as they encounter problems associated with behaviour , attention , motor skills and physical endurance .
Traditionally , the management of children with ADHD has focussed primarily on problems with cognition and has been heavily dependent on pharmaceutical interventions and , to a lesser extent , on non-pharmaceutical measures .
More recently , experts have increasingly advocated the use of exercises in alleviating symptoms associated with ADHD .
The primary objective of this review was to summarize research that examined the role of exercises on deficits related to attention , motor skills and fitness in children with ADHD .
Exercise Responses in Boys With Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Objective : The effect of stimulant medication on exercise responses was studied in 14 boys ( 10.9 ± 1.1 years ) with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ) . Method : Exercise , with and without medication , was performed at 25 W , 50 W , and 75 W , followed by a peak exercise test . Result : Submaximal heart rate ( HR ) was significantly higher by ~8 to 13 b·min—1 across the three intensities during the medication trial , but oxygen uptake ( VO2 ) , respiratory exchange ratio ( RER ) , and perceived exertion were similar ( p > .05 ) . At peak exercise , VO2 , HR , and work rate were attenuated ( p ≤ .05 ) in the absence of medication but not RER or perceived exertion . The decreased peak exercise responses were apparent in 6 of 13 participants . Conclusion : Stimulant medication  raises submaximal HR but does not affect other cardiorespiratory measures or perceived exertion . Without medication physiological responses at peak exercise are attenuated in some but not all boys with ADHD . ( J. of Att . Dis . 2008 ; 12(2 ) 170 - 176
Overall , the studies review ed were of moderate-to-high quality and reported benefits of a variety of exercise programmes in improving motor skills , physical fitness , attention and social behaviour in children with ADHD .
However , there was limited information regarding school-based programmes , the effects of structured exercise programmes independently or in combination with cognitive-based therapies , and the long-term benefits of exercises in alleviating behavioural problems in these children
Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ) are educated in classrooms along with typically developing children .
Those with ADHD , however , find it difficult to participate in routine educational and recreational activities as they encounter problems associated with behaviour , attention , motor skills and physical endurance .
Traditionally , the management of children with ADHD has focussed primarily on problems with cognition and has been heavily dependent on pharmaceutical interventions and , to a lesser extent , on non-pharmaceutical measures .
More recently , experts have increasingly advocated the use of exercises in alleviating symptoms associated with ADHD .
The primary objective of this review was to summarize research that examined the role of exercises on deficits related to attention , motor skills and fitness in children with ADHD .