The Acute Effect of Moderate Intensity Single Bout of Aerobic Exercise on Functions of Attention among Students With and Without ADHD

Background: ADHD is a neuro psychiatric disorder characterized by inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsivity. The medicinal treatment might lead to side effects and high costs. This strengthens the need for a different strategy.

The purpose was to examine the difference in cognitive performance between college students with and without ADHD and to explore the effects of acute aerobic exercise of moderate intensity, on the mentioned aspects of executive functions, while comparing them to the effects of a sedentary intervention.

Methods: The mentioned purpose was achieved by comparing the results of a motor ADHD test among 32 students without ADHD (age 24.46 ±1.74), to a motor ADHD test among 30 students with ADHD (age 25.39 ±2.84). The students provided written documentation of their ADHD diagnosis.

The VRCPT test combines a self-goal-oriented movement with a Go\No Go task in a virtual reality surrounding. Each student was tested before and after two interventions; 25 mins of moderate intensity aerobic exercise and 25 mins of sedentary activity (TV viewing). The gap between the tests conducted was at least seven days long.

Results: The results of this study indicate a tendency of improvements in all three components of attention tested and with both groups of research.

Discussion: Although no difference between the two interventions was found statistically significant, effect size (Cohen’s d) was found medium-high, which can imply that the aerobic training was significant in the over-all performance.

Conclusion: It is recommended to assess this option according to the beneficial impact implied after an acute bout of exercise comparing to medical treatment.