Physical activity is proving a viable alternative to medication in managing attention deficit hyperactivity syndrome (ADHD). Recent findings have shown that exercise and strenuous physical activity have a positive effect on people with ADHD. Both adults and children with the condition show remarkable improvement in attention and memory when incorporating a fitness regimen into their daily lives.
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The University of Illinois conducted a study on the matter, published in the journal Pediatrics, that has shed light on the role that physical activity has in improving mental outcomes for people with ADHD. Its results indicate that people with ADHD see a remarkable improvement in executive control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility after incorporating a physical program into their daily routines. They are more capable of resisting distraction, maintaining focus, and switching tasks with ease, all within a span of nine months.
Another earlier study came to a similar conclusion, showing a remarkable improvement of school performance among students on a 12-week exercise program. Improved math and reading test scores were observed among all participating children, with those showing ADHD symptoms seeing a significant improvement in performance.
On the surface, people with ADHD benefit from physical activity by helping them expend the built-up energy they have, thus keeping them from becoming restless. Beyond that, it is theorized that a rise in dopamine levels experienced in exercise improves brain function, especially with regard to attention and memory. In addition, physical activity also stimulates the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a protein that aids in learning and memorization that is often in short supply among people with ADHD.
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