An Evaluation of the Acute Effects of Physical Exercise on Cognitive and Psychological Functioning in College Students with ADHD
Author | : Patrick A. LaCount |
Publisher | : |
Total Pages | : 109 |
Release | : 2019 |
ISBN-10 | : 1687941823 |
ISBN-13 | : 9781687941824 |
Rating | : 4/5 (824 Downloads) |
Download or read book An Evaluation of the Acute Effects of Physical Exercise on Cognitive and Psychological Functioning in College Students with ADHD written by Patrick A. LaCount and published by . This book was released on 2019 with total page 109 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The present study sought to elucidate the acute effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) among young adult college students with and without attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Participants were age- and sex-matched across ADHD (N=18) and comparison groups (N=18)—both of whom completed a baseline session (non-HIIT) and experimental session (HIIT). Within- and between-subject effects were examined using a continuous performance task (CPT), reading span (Rspan) task, self-reported ADHD symptomatology, and self-reported internalizing symptomatology. Consistent with previous studies exploring the effectiveness of HIIT for childhood ADHD, the present investigation found evidence that HIIT has the potential for significant, acute improvement in ADHD and depressive symptomatology, as well as processing speed and response variability. HIIT may be a useful adjunct to psychosocial and/or pharmacological treatments for college students with ADHD because it: (a) yields immediate, acute improvements in executive functioning and mood; (b) promotes improved physical and mental health; (c) is more efficient, feasible, and cost-effective than prevailing treatment models; and (d) poses relatively lower risk of deleterious effects. Further investigations focusing on the effects of HIIT are needed to substantiate the efficacy of this intervention tool. However, these data suggest a single, brief, high-intensity bout of aerobic exercise can yield immediate significant short-term improvements in inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, processing speed, sustained attention, and depressive symptomatology. These improvements may enhance functioning and improve outcomes for college students with ADHD.