Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Review
. 2016 Dec;18(12):113.
doi: 10.1007/s11920-016-0749-3.

Using Physical Activity to Manage ADHD Symptoms:The State of the Evidence

Betsy Hoza  1 , Caroline P Martin  2 , Anna Pirog  2 , Erin K Shoulberg  2
Affiliations
Review

Using Physical Activity to Manage ADHD Symptoms:The State of the Evidence

Betsy Hoza et al. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2016 Dec.

Abstract

This article summarizes the evidence for management of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) using chronic aerobic physical activity (PA). Known studies comparing chronic aerobic PA to at least one control group are listed; uncontrolled studies and studies of non-aerobic PA are not considered. Key challenges to conducting chronic PA studies with children and youth with ADHD are summarized. After condensing information from widely varying studies, measures, and research designs, conclusions are stated in broad brush stroke terms. Preliminary evidence supports PA as beneficial for ADHD symptoms, executive function, and motor abilities. Social, emotional, and behavioral outcomes also may benefit. The preliminary state of the evidence supports PA as an adjunctive treatment for ADHD at this time, but the body and sophistication of the research to date is insufficient at present to support PA as a stand-alone treatment. Critical directions for future research are discussed.

Keywords: ADHD; Aerobic; Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; Exercise; Physical activity.

PubMed Disclaimer

References

    1. Pediatrics. 2011 Nov;128(5):1007-22 - PubMed
    1. Prev Med. 2011 Jun;52 Suppl 1:S70-4 - PubMed
    1. J Pediatr. 2013 Mar;162(3):543-51 - PubMed
    1. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2015 Jul;54(7):537-8 - PubMed
    1. J Abnorm Child Psychol. 2015 May;43(4):655-67 - PubMed

LinkOut - more resources