Effects of Physical Activity on Executive Function of Children with ADHD

Jeffery L. Hart Ph.D.
Western Washington University

David Phillips Ph.D.
Salisbury University

Abstract

Children with ADHD are often described as experiencing deficits in executive function. Two key areas of concern are inhibition, the ability to refrain from a dominant response when needed, and updating, the ability to revise or update incoming information. The purpose of this manuscript is to combine disparate lines of research to help establish a positive link between moderate to vigorous physical activity, executive function, and ADHD. Neuroscience research suggests moderate to vigorous physical activity may increase allocation of attentional resources as evidenced by increases in P3 amplitude and reduce P3 latency in children with ADHD. Intervention studies employing moderate to vigorous physical activity have shown improvements in executive function for children with ADHD. Optimal stimulation and dopamine regulation are suggested as theoretical perspectives for the effects of exercise. Key variables and implications for teachers suggest moderate to vigorous physical activity may provide a quick and effective means of improving executive functioning of children with ADHD in the classroom.

Keywords: ADHD, executive function, physical activity, MVPA

Read or Download

  • To Read this Article - or Download this Article (login required)

  • To Download the Entire SPRING/SUMMER 2020 Issue of JAASEP -  (login required)

NASET Members -  Login to Access These Files.

 


Not a Member?

If you are a member of NASET, please login to freely access this and all archived articles of JAASEP

If you are NOT A MEMBER of NASET you may purchase this article of JAASEP for $5.95 (use the "Buy now" button below):

OR Buy the entire issue of JAASEP SPRING/SUMMER 2020 for $24.95. Use the BUY NOW button below:

OR - Join NASET and have access to this & ALL PAST ISSUES of JAASEP - JOIN NASET


Return to the Table of Contents - CLICK HERE

forgot username or password?