Acute Exercise Effects on Measures of Attention and Impulsivity in Children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Abstract

This study examined the effect of a single bout of exercise on measures of attention and impulsivity in childrenwith attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Children with ADHD (n = 21, 11.3 ± 1.8 yrs) and childrenwithout ADHD (n = 21, 11.6 ± 1.9 yrs) participated in the study. After performing an initial exercise test tomeasure peak aerobic exercise capacity, the children reported to the laboratory for 2 additional trials. Forchildren with ADHD one trial was performed off medication and the other trial occurred on medication. Duringeach testing session the Connor’s Continuous Performance Test II (CCPT II) was performed immediately beforeand after 20 minutes of intermittent exercise (30 sec exercise/30 sec rest) at 90% of peak aerobic work rate.Errors of omission, errors of commission, and reaction time (t-scores) were assessed from the CCPT II. The datawere analyzed with a 3-way (group x trial x time) MANOVA. There was a significant increase in the error ofomission t-score over time (pre to post exercise). There were no significant findings for the error of commissiont-score. In the ADHD group the reaction time score was significantly higher than children without ADHD,significantly decreased with medication, and significantly increased over time. No other interaction or maineffects were observed. Further research identifying the optimal exercise intensity and duration that can improvebehavior, neurocognitive function, and academic performance is warranted.