Dinu, Larisa, Singh, Samriddhi, Baker, Neo, Georgescu, Alexandra, Singer, Bryan F, Overton, Paul and Dommett, Eleanor (2023) The effects of different exercise approaches on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity in adults: a randomised controlled trial. Behavioral Sciences, 13 (2). pp. 1-18. ISSN 2076-328X

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Abstract

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder results in significant functional impairment and current treatments, particularly for adults are limited. Previous research indicates that exercise may offer an alternative approach to managing ADHD but research into different types of exercise and adult populations is limited. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of acute exercise (aerobic cycling vs mind-body yoga exercises) on symptoms of ADHD in adults. Adults with ADHD (N=82) and controls (N=77) were randomly allocated to 10 minutes of aerobic (cycling) or mind-body (Hatha yoga) exercise. Immediately before and after exercise, participants completed the Test of Variables of Attention Task, Delay Discounting Task, and Iowa Gambling Task to measure attention and impulsivity. Actigraphy measured movement frequency and intensity. Both groups showed improved temporal impulsivity post-exercise, with cycling beneficial to all, whilst yoga only benefited those with ADHD. There were no effects of exercise on attention, cognitive or motor impulsivity, or movement in those with ADHD. Exercise reduced attention and increased movement in controls. Exercise can improve temporal impulsivity in adult ADHD but did not improve other symptoms and worsened some aspects of performance in controls. Exercise interventions should be further investigated

Item Type:	Article
Schools and Departments:	School of Psychology > Psychology
SWORD Depositor:	Mx Elements Account
Depositing User:	Mx Elements Account
Date Deposited:	01 Feb 2023 14:13
Last Modified:	23 Feb 2023 10:15
URI:	http://sro.sussex.ac.uk/id/eprint/110454

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