The effects of gince zumba and square stepping exercises on the motor and cognitive functions of children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder

This study aimed to examine the effects of Gince Zumba Exercises (GZE) and Square Stepping Exercises (SSE) on the motor and cognitive skills as well as behavioral characteristics of children diagnosed with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and under medication. A total of 40 children (15 girls, 25 boys), aged between 9-12 and receiving medical treatment for ADHD, participated in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to three groups: Gince Zumba Group (GZG), Square Stepping Group (SSG), and Control Group (CG). In addition to ongoing medical treatment, the two intervention groups engaged in their respective exercise programs twice a week for eight weeks (50 min. per session). The control group received only medication during this period. Pre- and post-test assessments included the Stroop Color Test, the Visual-Auditory Number Sequence Test and the Cancellation Test to evaluate cognitive skills; BlazePod Reaction Time Test and the Tandem Walking Test for motor skills; and the Conners Parent Rating Scale and TURGAY DSM-IV scale to assess behavioral and social adjustment. The findings indicated improvements in attention, inhibitory control, reaction time, and balance in both intervention groups, with the SSE group showing significantly greater improvements (p<0.05). Additionally, both exercise groups demonstrated positive changes in behavioral characteristics compared to the control group. These results suggest that when applied alongside medication, SSE and GZE programs can positively support attention, motor skills, and behavioral outcomes in children with ADHD. The results highlight the potential of exercise-based interventions to be tailored to individual needs, offering a scientific foundation for personalized approaches.