RECENT RESEARCH
Martín-Rodríguez A, Herrero-Roldán S, Clemente-Suárez VJ. The Role of Physical Activity in ADHD Management: Diagnostic, Digital and Non-Digital Interventions, and Lifespan Considerations. Children( Basel). 2025 Mar 7; 12( 3): 338. doi: 10.3390 / children12030338. PMID: 40150619; PMCID: PMC11941119.
Background: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder( ADHD) has been described as a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity affecting cognitive, emotional, and social functioning. While pharmacological and behavioral treatments remain primary, physical activity( PA)( digital and non-digital versions) has emerged as a great complementary intervention due to its potential impact on executive functions, emotional regulation, and neurobiological markers.
Objectives: This study aimed to assess the effects of PA on ADHD symptoms, executive function, and emotional regulation, exploring its potential impact and new practical applications in digital and non-digital treatment.
Methods: This narrative review assessed 132 studies published between 1 January 2010 and January 2025, ensuring the inclusion of the most recent and relevant findings. The review was conducted in Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science, using a predefined combination of terms related to ADHD, physical activity, executive function, neuroplasticity, and emotional regulation.
Results: Regular PA improves executive functions, attention, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility in ADHD. Aerobic exercise enhances sustained attention, high-intensity training improves impulse control, and coordinative activities boost cognitive flexibility. Non-digital and digital innovations, such as exergaming and wearable fitness trackers, offer promising solutions to improve adherence to PA regimens, reinforcing their role as a key intervention in ADHD management.
Conclusions: PA could be a valuable complementary intervention for ADHD through a hybrid approach that may improve cognitive and emotional functioning while addressing comorbidities.
Li Y, He YC, Wang Y, He JW, Li MY, Wang WQ, Wu ZH, Xu YJ, He WN, Dou YL, Wang DL, Yan WL, Zhu DQ. Effects of Qigong vs. routine physical exercise in school-aged children with attentiondeficit hyperactivity disorder: a randomized controlled trial. World J Pediatr. 2025 Jul; 21( 7): 720-730. doi: 10.1007 / s12519-025- 00890-x. Epub 2025 Mar 10. PMID: 40064759.
Background: Increased understanding of the etiology of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder( ADHD) emphasizes the importance of nonpharmaceutical treatments. This study compares the effects of Baduanjin exercise, a Qigong-based body therapy from traditional Chinese medicine( TCM), with routine physical exercise on school-aged children diagnosed with ADHD.
Methods: In this two-arm, single-blind, randomized controlled trial, eligible school-aged children with ADHD were randomly assigned( 1:1) to Baduanjin exercise or regular physical exercise using a permuted block randomization procedure. Both groups performed the designated exercise for at least 30 minutes a day and were monitored for exercise quality at least 5 days a week for 3 months. The primary outcome was a doctor-assessed hyperactivity / impulsivity score change, using the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham rating scale( DSNAP _ HYP) at the end of the third month since intervention initiation.
Results: Between October 2020 and January 2023, 120 eligible children were randomly allocated to two exercise interventions. After 3 months, the DSNAP _ HYP decreased by 3.67 ± 4.81 and 4.68 ± 4.44 of Baduanjin exercise and regular physical exercise, respectively, with no significant between-group difference [ mean difference = 1.52; 95 % confidence interval( CI) =- 0.08 to 3.13; P = 0.06 ]. No adverse events were reported during the whole study period.
Conclusions: This study did not demonstrate the expected superiority of 3-month Baduanjin exercise in improving ADHD symptoms compared with routine physical exercise.
AJNM | Summer 2025 | 241