Does movement during a cognitive task support performance among children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
Abstract
Hyperactivity in children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often thought of as an impairment. However, hyperactivity may be an adaptive behaviour during cognitively demanding tasks for those with ADHD. We investigated the impact of movement during a cognitively demanding task on prefrontal brain activity, inhibitory control, and self-efficacy in children with ADHD. Children aged 8-12 (with and without ADHD) engaged in the Stroop task under two conditions: Movement and Stationary. The Movement condition consisted of children pedalling on a desk cycle while performing the Stroop task with pre-post self-efficacy ratings; the Stationary condition involved children sitting still while completing the same task and ratings. Movement increased prefrontal brain activity and inhibitory control among both children with and without ADHD, with a greater magnitude of benefit for those with ADHD. Additionally, movement improved self-efficacy specifically for children with ADHD. Findings suggest that movement during cognitively demanding tasks may be beneficial for children, especially for those with ADHD.