The Impact of Physical Activity and Physical Education on Children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD)

Abstract

Physical activity is one of the most essential factors to physical and mental health and is vital to children. Understanding the importance of living a healthy lifestyle and being physically active is beneficial to children’s futures. While important for all children, physical activity is especially important for children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Children with ADHD typically have difficulty with their executive functioning – that is, their abilities to plan, organize, concentrate on one task, and switch focus when needed. Regular physical activity improves executive functioning by reducing symptoms of ADHD such as inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity (Verret et al., 2012). It is important, then, that physical educators improve their lessons in order to provide lessons with maximum activity, emotional, and behavioral support for students with ADHD. Therefore, the purpose of this synthesis is to review the literature on the impact of physical activity and Physical Education on elementary students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)