The relationship between physical activity and mental health in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): A scoping review.

BACKGROUND

Children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at risk of developing secondary mental health problems. Physical activity (PA) has recently gained attention as a non-pharmacological intervention. However, studies that comprehensively organize its effects on different aspects of mental health remain limited. This study aimed to systematically organize existing evidence on the effects of PA on the mental health of children with ADHD.

METHODS

This scoping review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A literature search was performed across seven electronic databases. Studies examining the relationship between PA and mental health in children with ADHD were included. Two reviewers independently conducted study selection and data extraction.

RESULTS

A total of 10 studies were included. PA showed relatively consistent improvements in internalizing problems. In contrast, effects on externalizing problems varied across studies. In addition, some improvements were observed in psychological well-being, emotional/self-regulation, and cognitive function.

CONCLUSION

PA may contribute to improvements across multiple aspects of mental health in children with diagnosed ADHD or ADHD symptoms. However, these effects appear to depend on specific outcomes and intervention characteristics. Therefore, to effectively support mental health in children with diagnosed ADHD or ADHD symptoms, it may be important to tailor exercise interventions to the targeted mental health outcomes while also considering components included in the interventions beyond exercise itself.