Physical activity of children with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders

This research was performed between 05.02.2018-20.04.2018 at primary and secondary schools that located in Bursa/Nilufer to investigate physical activity levels (PAL) of students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A total of 80 volunteer students aged between 8-14 were joined to the research. In the study group, from Cavit Caglar Secondary School 3, from Emir Koop Primery School 3, from Husnu Zuber Primery School 3, from Koc Secondary School 7, from Vahide Aktug Secondary School 3, from Ucevler Sehit Faik Gökcen Primery School 3, from Fethiye Secondary School 5, from Ozluce Private Sınav Secondary School 12 students (total 39) with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; in the control group, from Balat Private Sınav Primery School 14, from Balat Private Sınav Secondary School 27 students (total 41) with health were taken placed. Among the students, 28 were girls where as 52 were boys. The Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C) were appleid to these students, and their feeding types, healthness and family incomes were investigated as demographic records. In the study group, the ratio of girl/boy was 1/4 while the same ratio was nearly 1/1 in the control group. Students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder were consumed more healthy food than the control group students (p<0,05). The physical activity performans were found significantly higher at the study group than the control group during the breathing times at school (Question 3), during daily free times after school (Question 5), at the weekends (Question 7), throughout the week (Question 8, Question 9) (p<0,05). In addition, the mean score of PAQ-C of the study group was significantly higher than the mean score of the control group (p<0,05). When students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder were compared according to the types, the physical activity level was the highest in Type-II while it was the lowest in Type-I (p<0,05). As a result, the physical activity performans were found significantly high at the study group than the control group (p<0,05). Thereby we can accept the activity increase in students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder as physical activity increase, and there is a positive relation between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and physical activity level (PAL). Keywords: Attention deficit, hyperactivity disorder, children, physical activity level