The Role of Physical Activity in the Comprehensive Management of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A Narrative Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2026.69.74348Keywords
ADHD, ADHD Children, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, narrative review, concentration, physical activityhealthcare management, pediatrics, quality in sport, tactical athlete, neurobiologyAbstract
Introduction and Purpose: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders affecting children and adolescents. In addition to pharmacological treatment and cognitive behavioral therapy, increasing attention has been paid to the role of physical activity as a complementary therapeutic intervention. The aim of this review was to summarize the current evidence regarding the effects of physical activity on concentration and cognitive functioning in children with ADHD.
Results: The available evidence indicates that regular physical activity improves attention, concentration, executive functions, and behavioral control in children with ADHD. The greatest benefits have been observed following aerobic exercise and activities combining physical and cognitive engagement. Physical activity may also reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity while improving social functioning and overall quality of life. These effects are thought to be associated with increased dopaminergic and noradrenergic neurotransmission, which plays a key role in attention regulation and executive functioning.
Conclusions: Regular physical activity appears to be an effective complementary intervention for children with ADHD. Although it should not replace evidence-based pharmacological treatment or cognitive behavioral therapy, it may enhance treatment outcomes by improving concentration, cognitive performance, behavioral regulation, and quality of life. Incorporating structured physical activity into comprehensive ADHD management may provide additional clinical benefits.
References
1. Polanczyk GV, Willcutt EG, Salum GA, Kieling C, Rohde LA. ADHD prevalence estimates across three decades: an updated systematic review and meta-regression analysis. Int J Epidemiol. 2014;43(2):434-442. doi:10.1093/ije/dyt261
2. Martinez-Badía J, Martinez-Raga J. Who says this is a modern disorder? The early history of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. World J Psychiatry. 2015;5(4):379-386. Published 2015 Dec 22. doi:10.5498/wjp.v5.i4.379
3. Magnus W, Anilkumar AC, Shaban K. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; August 8, 2023.
4. Popit S, Serod K, Locatelli I, Stuhec M. Prevalence of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Psychiatry. 2024;67(1):e68. Published 2024 Oct 9. doi:10.1192/j.eurpsy.2024.1786
5. Thapar A, Cooper M, Eyre O, Langley K. What have we learnt about the causes of ADHD?. J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2013;54(1):3-16. doi:10.1111/j.1469-7610.2012.02611.x
6. Núñez-Jaramillo L, Herrera-Solís A, Herrera-Morales WV. ADHD: Reviewing the Causes and Evaluating Solutions. J Pers Med. 2021;11(3):166. Published 2021 Mar 1. doi:10.3390/jpm11030166
7Faraone SV, Larsson H. Genetics of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Mol Psychiatry. 2019;24(4):562-575. doi:10.1038/s41380-018-0070-0
8Grimm O, Kranz TM, Reif A. Genetics of ADHD: What Should the Clinician Know?. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2020;22(4):18. Published 2020 Feb 27. doi:10.1007/s11920-020-1141-x
9. Shi J, Guo X, Liu C, et al. Molecular insight into the potential functional role of pseudoenzyme GFOD1 via interaction with NKIRAS2. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai). 2024;56(9):1256-1266. doi:10.3724/abbs.2024105
10Killen AC, Barber M, Paulin JJW, Ranscht B, Parnavelas JG, Andrews WD. Protective role of Cadherin 13 in interneuron development. Brain Struct Funct. 2017;222(8):3567-3585. doi:10.1007/s00429-017-1418-y
11. Díaz-Román A, Hita-Yáñez E, Buela-Casal G. Sleep Characteristics in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses. J Clin Sleep Med. 2016;12(5):747-756. Published 2016 May 15. doi:10.5664/jcsm.5810
12. Hvolby A. Associations of sleep disturbance with ADHD: implications for treatment. Atten Defic Hyperact Disord. 2015;7(1):1-18. doi:10.1007/s12402-014-0151-0
13. Gnanavel S, Sharma P, Kaushal P, Hussain S. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and comorbidity: A review of literature. World J Clin Cases. 2019;7(17):2420-2426. doi:10.12998/wjcc.v7.i17.2420
14. Fu X, Wu W, Wu Y, et al. Adult ADHD and comorbid anxiety and depressive disorders: a review of etiology and treatment. Front Psychiatry. 2025;16:1597559. Published 2025 Jun 6. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1597559
15. De Crescenzo F, Cortese S, Adamo N, Janiri L. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment of adults with ADHD: a meta-review. Evid Based Ment Health. 2017;20(1):4-11. doi:10.1136/eb-2016-102415
16. Storebø OJ, Ramstad E, Krogh HB, et al. Methylphenidate for children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;2015(11):CD009885. Published 2015 Nov 25. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009885.pub2
17. Liu F, Minami H, Silva RR. Dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2006;2(4):467-473. doi:10.2147/nedt.2006.2.4.467
18. Quintero J, Gutiérrez-Casares JR, Álamo C. Molecular Characterisation of the Mechanism of Action of Stimulant Drugs Lisdexamfetamine and Methylphenidate on ADHD Neurobiology: A Review. Neurol Ther. 2022;11(4):1489-1517. doi:10.1007/s40120-022-00392-2
19. Fu D, Wu DD, Guo HL, et al. The Mechanism, Clinical Efficacy, Safety, and Dosage Regimen of Atomoxetine for ADHD Therapy in Children: A Narrative Review. Front Psychiatry. 2022;12:780921. Published 2022 Feb 9. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.780921
20. Shier AC, Reichenbacher T, Ghuman HS, Ghuman JK. Pharmacological treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: clinical strategies. J Cent Nerv Syst Dis. 2012;5:1-17. Published 2012 Dec 20. doi:10.4137/JCNSD.S6691
21. Verbeeck W, Bekkering GE, Van den Noortgate W, Kramers C. Bupropion for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017;10(10):CD009504. Published 2017 Oct 2. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009504.pub2
22 Harper K, Gentile JP. Psychotherapy for Adult ADHD. Innov Clin Neurosci. 2022;19(10-12):35-39.
23. Drechsler R, Brem S, Brandeis D, Grünblatt E, Berger G, Walitza S. ADHD: Current Concepts and Treatments in Children and Adolescents. Neuropediatrics. 2020;51(5):315-335. doi:10.1055/s-0040-1701658
24. Williams OC, Prasad S, McCrary A, et al. Adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a comprehensive review. Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2023;85(5):1802-1810. Published 2023 Apr 12. doi:10.1097/MS9.0000000000000631
25. Efron D, Coscini N. Pharmacological management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents. Aust Prescr. 2025;48(5):156-160. doi:10.18773/austprescr.2025.043
26. Shaw M, Hodgkins P, Caci H, et al. A systematic review and analysis of long-term outcomes in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: effects of treatment and non-treatment. BMC Med. 2012;10:99. Published 2012 Sep 4. doi:10.1186/1741-7015-10-99
27. Li D, Li L, Zang W, et al. Effect of physical activity on attention in school-age children with ADHD: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Front Physiol. 2023;14:1189443. Published 2023 Jul 27. doi:10.3389/fphys.2023.1189443
28. Sun W, Yu M, Zhou X. Effects of physical exercise on attention deficit and other major symptoms in children with ADHD: A meta-analysis. Psychiatry Res. 2022;311:114509. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114509
29. Gapin JI, Labban JD, Etnier JL. The effects of physical activity on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms: the evidence. Prev Med. 2011;52 Suppl 1:S70-S74. doi:10.1016/j.ypmed.2011.01.022
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Paulina Pietraś, Gabriela Świetlicka, Aneta Chawryło, Marcela Łupina-Romaniuk, Julia Kołodziejczyk, Karolina Oleksińska, Dominika Piecuch, Michał Stolarczyk, Maria Pietrzak, Karolina Pracoń
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Stats
Number of views and downloads: 80
Number of citations: 0
