Diverse multi-week physical activity programs reduce ADHD symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis

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.

Automated summary

This study found that physical activity can be used as an adjunct treatment and secondary prevention intervention for ADHD and ODD, reducing symptoms and functional impairment. The results support the positive effects of physical activity in alleviating ADHD symptoms, and various forms of physical activity can be beneficial.