ERIC Number: EJ1261017
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-2325-7466
EISSN: N/A
Effects of Physical Activity on Executive Function of Children with ADHD
Hart, Jeffery L.; Phillips, David
Journal of the American Academy of Special Education Professionals, p59-76 Spr-Sum 2020
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.
Descriptors: Physical Activity Level, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Executive Function, Children, Inhibition, Correlation, Exercise, Short Term Memory, Program Effectiveness, Scientific Research, Intervention, Biochemistry, Neurosciences, Classroom Techniques
American Academy of Special Education Professionals. 3642 East Sunnydale Drive, Chandler Heights, AZ 85142. Tel: 800-754-4421; Fax: 800-424-0371; e-mail: editor@aasep.org; Web site: http://www.aasep.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Information Analyses
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A