Effects of single-dose methylphenidate on motor performance in physically active college students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a randomized crossover trial.

Methylphenidate (MPH) is commonly used for managing core symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, its effects on motor performance in active individuals with ADHD have been scarcely documented. This study aimed to assess the acute effects of a single dose of MPH on agility, balance, and physiological parameters at rest and after motor tests, in physically active participants with ADHD. For this randomized crossover study, we recruited 35 physical education college students with ADHD (mean age 25.3 years; 65.7% males). Participants used their prescribed MPH medication. The following evaluations were performed both before and after MPH treatment: motor performance tests (a zigzag agility test, both with and without leading a ball; and a balance test), physiological measurements (heart rate, blood pressure, core temperature) recorded at rest and after the motor tests (at least one week apart); mental evaluations using a rated perceived exertion (RPE) scale. We found no significant differences in motor performance, physiological measures, or RPE with vs. without MPH. These results suggest that while MPH may enhance certain motor functions as shown in other studies, such effects are not universally beneficial across all motor performance measures in young physically active adults diagnosed with ADHD. Clinical Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT04283604.