Objective:
Physical activity (PA) has been proposed as an adjunct treatment and secondary prevention interovention for attention-deficit hyperactivity/impulsivity disorder (ADHD) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). However, meta-analyses testing effects on symptoms and functional impairment have yielded conflicting results.
Methods:
A systematic search of eight databases yielded 15 randomized controlled trial and 2 quasi-experimental design studies-including N = 881 youth (M = 9.75 years, 71% male)-that tested the effects of multi-week PA programs on symptoms and impairment of children with [or at-risk for] ADHD and/or ODD.
Results:
Random effects meta-analyses favored PA groups on omnibus ADHD measures (g = 0.42, 95%CI[-0.62;-0.21]), combined ADHD symptoms (g = 0.50, 95%CI[-0.82;-0.17]), inattention (g = 0.41,95%CI[-0.82; 0.00]), and hyperactivity/impulsivity (g = 0.30, 95%CI[-0.56;-0.04]). Heterogeneity was moderate across studies (I2 = 49%, 95%CI[12%-to-70%]). Significant differences favored PA programs whether inclusion required diagnosis, programs augmented frontline treatments, and active or passive comparison groups were utilized.
Conclusion:
Diverse PA programs can reduce ADHD symptoms, especially where they intentionally pursue this end.
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