Exercise and Executive Functioning in Individuals with ADHD

Why did we do this research? 

ADHD involves impairment in executive functioning, that is, skills employed in goal-directed behaviour such as focusing and avoiding distractions, short-term memory skills, and problem-solving skills. While conventional first-line pharmaceutical treatment for ADHD can be effective, they have limitations, and they are not suitable or accessible for all individuals with ADHD. Therefore, other treatment options are important to consider for the management of ADHD. Exercise has been found to be an accessible, affordable, and effective health behaviour in improving executive functioning in the general population. However, the impacts of exercise on executive functioning in individuals with ADHD had not been well-established.  

What did we examine? 

The purpose of this study was to synthesize previous research that investigated the impact of exercise on executive functioning in individuals with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity-Disorder (ADHD) with a scoping review. 

What did we find? 

We found that exercise is an effective intervention for the enhancement of executive functioning for individuals with ADHD. Attention and the ability to avoid distractions seem to be especially enhanced by exercise in this population. Additionally, exercise that is repeated over the course of weeks or months appears to be effective. While we expected to find that more intense and/or cognitively demanding (i.e., involving strategy) exercise would be more impactful, we did not find evidence supporting this hypothesis.