TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2013//
TI  - Pilot Physical Activity Intervention Reduces Severity of ADHD Symptoms in Young Children
JO  - Journal of attention disorders
A1  - Smith, Alan L.
A1  - Hoza, Betsy
A1  - Linnea, Kate
A1  - McQuade, Julia D.
A1  - Tomb, Meghan
A1  - Vaughn, Aaron J.
A1  - Shoulberg, Erin K.
A1  - Hook, Holly
SP  - 70
EP  - 82
VL  - 17
IS  - 1
N2  - Objective: Physical activity associates with mental health and neurocognitive function, showing potential for addressing ADHD symptoms. As a preliminary assessment of this potential, the authors piloted a before-school physical activity intervention for young children. Method: Seventeen children (Grades K-3) exhibiting four or more hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms on the Disruptive Behavior Disorders Rating Scale (Pelham, 2002) completed about 26 min of continuous moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily over eight school weeks. The authors administered cognitive, motor, social, and behavioral functioning measures at pre- and postprogram, assessed response inhibition weekly, and coded negative behaviors daily. Results: Several measures showed significant or marginally significant change over time (effect size = 0.35-0.96) with additional measures showing meaningful effect size values (≥ 0.20). Response inhibition effects were most consistent. Most participants (64% to 71%) exhibited overall improvement according to postprogram parent, teacher, and program staff ratings. Conclusion: Physical activity shows promise for addressing ADHD symptoms in young children.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 1087-0547
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1087054711417395
ID  - ref1
ER  -