Regular physical activity, including aerobic exercise and digital innovations, improves executive functions, attention, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility in patients with ADHD.
Does physical activity improve ADHD symptoms, executive function, and emotional regulation in individuals with ADHD?
Physical activity, including digital and non-digital forms, serves as a valuable complementary intervention to improve cognitive and emotional functioning in individuals with ADHD.
Background: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been described as a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity affecting cognitive, emotional, and social functioning. While pharmacological and behavioral treatments remain primary, physical activity (PA) (digital and non-digital versions) has emerged as a great complementary intervention due to its potential impact on executive functions, emotional regulation, and neurobiological markers. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the effects of PA on ADHD symptoms, executive function, and emotional regulation, exploring its potential impact and new practical applications in digital and non-digital treatment. Methods: This narrative review assessed 132 studies published between 1 January 2010 and January 2025, ensuring the inclusion of the most recent and relevant findings. The review was conducted in Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science, using a predefined combination of terms related to ADHD, physical activity, executive function, neuroplasticity, and emotional regulation. Results: Regular PA improves executive functions, attention, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility in ADHD. Aerobic exercise enhances sustained attention, high-intensity training improves impulse control, and coordinative activities boost cognitive flexibility. Non-digital and digital innovations, such as exergaming and wearable fitness trackers, offer promising solutions to improve adherence to PA regimens, reinforcing their role as a key intervention in ADHD management. Conclusions: PA could be a valuable complementary intervention for ADHD through a hybrid approach that may improve cognitive and emotional functioning while addressing comorbidities.
Martín-Rodríguez et al. (Fri,) conducted a review in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (n=132). Physical activity (digital and non-digital) was evaluated on Effects of physical activity on ADHD symptoms, executive function, and emotional regulation. Regular physical activity, including aerobic exercise and digital innovations, improves executive functions, attention, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility in patients with ADHD.