Optimizing exercise prescription parameters for ADHD in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis
- Forfatter(e)
- Chen, B. X., Shi, Z. G., Liu, J. M.
- År
- 2026
- Tidsskrift
- Public Health
- Volum
- 255
- Sider
- 11
- Kategori(er)
- ADHD
- Tiltakstype(r)
- Fysisk aktivitet
- Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to systematically evaluate the effects of physical exercise on children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and provide evidence for optimal exercise prescription. Study design: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials following PRISMA guidelines.
Methods: We searched databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, and EBSCO from inception to July 20, 2025, incorporating 20 randomized controlled trials with 48 effect sizes. We conducted meta-analysis and subgroup analysis using a random-effects model.
Results: Physical exercise may yield modest improvements in ADHD symptoms (SMD = 0.27, 95% CI [0.000.54]). Therapeutic and alternative exercise modalities (SMD = 0.45, 95% CI [0.26-0.65]) showed greater effects than Aerobic and Endurance Training (SMD = 0.16, 95% CI [0.00-0.32]). Mid-term interventions (12-24 weeks, SMD = 0.28, 95% CI [0.11-0.46]) outperformed short-term programs. Mid-frequency (twice weekly, SMD = 0.52, 95% CI [0.33-0.71]) and long duration sessions (60-90 min, SMD = 1.01, 95% CI [0.71-1.31]) demonstrated optimal effectiveness.
Conclusions: Physical exercise serves as a potentially beneficial adjunctive treatment for improving ADHD symptoms in children. Exploratory subgroup analyses suggest that therapeutic and alternative exercise modalities lasting 12-24 weeks, performed twice weekly for 60-90 min per session, may be associated with larger effect sizes, though these findings require further confirmation. These findings provide important references for clinical practice in managing ADHD in children.