We Know Exercise Helps ADHD so Let's Get Moving

Let get Moving to help ADHD symtoms

Regular exercise reduces all ADHD symptoms. You know this, right? I have written about exercise helping inattentive ADHD in several other posts but I guess we could all use a reminder. 

This study, just published in the Journal of Physical and Activity and Health reminds us that kids that get regular exercise, have fewer Inattentive ADHD and other ADHD symptoms too.  Green space activity helps too.  Let's all go outside and run a bit!


J Phys Act Health. 2011 Sep;8(7):964-70.
The association between physical education and symptoms of attention deficithyperactivity disorder.
Barnard-Brak L, Davis T, Sulak T, Brak V.
Dept of Educational Psychology, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of the current study was to examine the association between structured physical activity, specifically physical education, and symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Physical activity may be associated with lower levels of symptoms of ADHD and this rationale provided the impetus for the current study.

METHODS:

A community-based, nationally representative sample of children from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten cohort (ECLS-K) was used. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the association of physical activity with symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Two random subsamples were drawn for the purposes of cross-validation of our model. Statistics reflecting model fit are reported.

RESULTS:

With a standardized path coefficient value of -.23, findings from the current study indicate a significant, inverse association between physical education, as a structured form of physical activity, with the symptoms of Attention DeficitHyperactivity Disorder in children.

CONCLUSIONS:

Using a community-based, nationally representative sample of children aged 5 to 7 years old from the United States, the results of the current study suggest that physical education, as a structured form of physical activity, may be considered as associated with lower levels of symptoms of ADHD across time.