Does type of exercise matter? Network meta-analysis of the effects of different exercise modalities on inhibitory control in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

To compare the effects of single aerobic exercise, cognitive + exercise, combined exercise, and ball exercise on inhibitory control in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) using network Meta-analysis. Literature related to randomized controlled trials of exercise interventions for inhibitory control in children with ADHD was searched in the databases of pubmed, Web of science, Embase, Cochrane, and Scopus with a search deadline of December 31, 2023. Two researchers screened the literature, extracted data, and evaluated methodological quality. Statistical analysis and plotting were performed using Stata 17.0 software. A total of 18 papers involving 737 participants were included. Network Meta-analysis showed that single aerobic exercise [SMD = 0.75 (0.27,1.22), P < 0.05], ball games [SMD = 1.98 (0.99,2.97), P < 0.05] were significantly better than the control group, and ball games were significantly better than the combination exercises [SMD = 1.66(0.50,2.81), P < 0.05], cognitive + exercise [SMD = 1.69(0.46,2.92), P < 0.05], single aerobic exercise[SMD = 1.23(0.13,2.33), P < 0.05]. The results of SUCRA probability ranking showed that ball exercises played the most significant role in improving inhibitory control (SUCRA = 99.5). Single aerobic and ball sports have significant advantages in inhibitory control in children with ADHD; ball sports are significantly better than combined exercises, single aerobic exercise, and cognitive + exercise in inhibitory control in children with ADHD. Ball games are the most effective intervention in enhancing inhibitory control in children with ADHD.