Functional magnetic resonance imaging reveals fidgeting in ADHD improves prefrontal cortex activation during executive functioning

People with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are often observed to fidget or display repetitive fine motor skills. Though it has been proposed that fidgeting may assist with concentration and sustained attention, there is little objective evidence to support this idea. This is the first study to evaluate the impact of fidgeting, using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), with neurotypical and ADHD adult volunteers. Comparative analyses revealed significant increases in medial prefrontal cortex brain activation while fidgeting during executive functioning in the ADHD participant. This distinction may provide additional information in future MRI diagnosis of ADHD.