The effect of combined exercise training on motor proficiency, physical fitness and related cognitive skills in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Randomized controlled study

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of combined exercise training on motor proficiency, physical fitness and related cognitive skills in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The children were randomly divided into three groups using the closed envelope method: the exercise group under the supervision of a physiotherapist (n=10), the exercise group under parental supervision (n=10), and the control group (n=10). Participants' behaviors with Revised Conners' Parent Rating Scale - Short Form and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, walking speeds with ten meters walking test, walking endurance with two-minute walking test, motor proficiency with Bruininks-Oseretsky Motor Proficiency Test-2, muscular strength with dynamometer, physical fitness with Munich Fitness Test, cognitive status with Dynamic Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment, academic achievement and social relations were evaluated with open-ended questions. It was shown that there was a statistically significant improvement in the results except the 10-meter walking test performed at normal speed after the exercise training (p<0.05). As a result of the research, it was shown that the combined exercise program had positive effects on motor proficiency, physical fitness and related cognitive skills when performed under the supervision of both physiotherapist and parent.