Cognitively combined/engaged physical activity for the executive function, symptomology, and motor competence of children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Yuan Fang; Fenghua Sun; Zixin Wang; Yaxi Yang; Man Lau; Kunyi Huang; Michael Kin-Chung Yeung; Georg S Kranz; Chetwyn C H Chan

doi:10.1016/j.ridd.2024.104880

Cognitively combined/engaged physical activity for the executive function, symptomology, and motor competence of children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Res Dev Disabil. 2024 Dec:155:104880. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2024.104880. Epub 2024 Nov 16.

Authors

Yuan Fang¹, Fenghua Sun², Zixin Wang³, Yaxi Yang⁴, Man Lau⁵, Kunyi Huang⁶, Michael Kin-Chung Yeung⁷, Georg S Kranz⁸, Chetwyn C H Chan⁹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Health and Physical Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China. Electronic address: [email protected].
² Department of Health and Physical Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China. Electronic address: [email protected].
³ Centre for Health Behaviours Research, JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China. Electronic address: [email protected].
⁴ Center for Language and Brain, Shenzhen Institute of Neuroscience, Shenzhen, China. Electronic address: [email protected].
⁵ Department of Health and Physical Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China. Electronic address: [email protected].
⁶ Department of Health and Physical Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China. Electronic address: [email protected].
⁷ Department of Psychology, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China. Electronic address: [email protected].
⁸ Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China. Electronic address: [email protected].
⁹ Department of Psychology, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China. Electronic address: [email protected].

PMID: 39550802
DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2024.104880

Abstract

Background: Cognitively combined/engaged physical activity (CC/CE-PA) has been used as an intervention for children/adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Method: This review aimed to quantify the effects of CC/CE-PAs on enhancing executive and physical function and alleviating ADHD symptoms in children/adolescents with ADHD. An extensive literature search of online databases identified 32 studies (75 % high-quality studies), of which 22 (pooled n=968) were included in the meta-analysis.

Results: The included studies covered five PA types with varying intervention periods, frequencies, and exercise durations. The CC/CE-PAs showed an overall significant effect on improving executive function (standardized mean difference [SMD]: 1.10) and motor competence (SMD: 0.52) and alleviating ADHD symptoms (SMD: -0.75). Program design and participants' medication status were found to significantly moderate the effect of CC/CE-PA.

Conclusion: More evidence is needed to support the effect of CC/CE-PA by comparing it with other interventions and using a rigorous experimental design.

Keywords: ADHD symptoms; Executive function; Meta-analysis; Motor competence; Systematic review; Young individuals.

Publication types

Meta-Analysis
Systematic Review

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity* / physiopathology
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity* / psychology
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity* / rehabilitation
Child
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / methods
Executive Function* / physiology
Exercise / psychology
Exercise Therapy / methods
Humans
Motor Skills* / physiology