This small study followed 21 children with ADHD, ages 7 to 12, in Quebec, Canada. All had the combined or hyperactive-impulsive type. Of these, 10 joined a physical activity program and 11 formed a comparison group. The program ran for 10 weeks, with three supervised sessions a week of about 45 minutes.
Afterward, the active group scored higher than the comparison group on motor skills. Parents reported fewer problems overall, including fewer attention, social and thought problems. Teachers reported fewer anxiety-depression and social problems. On attention tests, the active group was faster on one timed search task and scored higher on a listening task of sustained attention.
The active group did more push-ups, but aerobic fitness, body composition, divided attention and response inhibition did not differ.
The groups were recruited differently, from one school versus different areas. Stimulant use also differed (30% of the active group, compared with all of the comparison group). Parents and teachers knew which children were in the program, which may have shaped their ratings. The sample was small and some data were missing, so the authors call the results preliminary.
The authors suggest that schools and parents of children with ADHD look for more chances at structured group physical activity.
Source: Verret C, Guay M, Berthiaume C, et al.. A Physical Activity Program Improves Behavior and Cognitive Functions in Children With ADHD. Journal of Attention Disorders (2010). doi:10.1177/1087054710379735