Individual Differences in Executive Functioning and Psycho-emotional Well-being and the Impact of Acute Exercise on Children and Youth with ADHD
Abstract
Short bouts of exercise can improve inhibitory control in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However, individual differences among children with ADHD may impact the effectiveness of exercise interventions. We investigated how individual differences in inhibitory control, mood, and self-efficacy impact the efficacy of acute exercise among children with ADHD. Sixteen participants (ages 10-14) completed two interventions: 10 minutes of exercise and 10 minutes of silent reading (control). Inhibitory control was assessed prior to the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and after a 10-minute delay. Results suggested that participants with lower initial inhibitory control benefited more from exercise than participants with higher initial inhibitory control. Exercise reduced any initial benefit of a more positive mood state on inhibitory control, whereas self-efficacy had no effect on inhibitory control. This study demonstrates that individual differences in executive functioning and psycho-emotional well-being can alter the impact of exercise on children with ADHD.