Home Family Practice Burst of Moderate Exercise May Reduce Adult ADHD Symptoms

Burst of Moderate Exercise May Reduce Adult ADHD Symptoms

Activity won’t replace standard treatments but could be helpful add-on

TUESDAY, July 12, 2016 (HealthDay News) — A burst of moderate exercise may improve motivation and energy in adults with symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to a study published in the June issue of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.

The research included 32 young men (18 to 33 years old) who hadn’t been diagnosed with ADHD but reported high levels of symptoms of the disorder. When the study volunteers completed a 20-minute session of leg cycling exercise, they reported lowered feelings of confusion, fatigue, and depression before performing a mental task.

While activity didn’t seem to affect behavior symptoms such as attention or hyperactivity, the study authors said the research indicates exercise might help those with the disorder function better.

“There is now evidence that young adult men with symptoms of ADHD who engage in a single bout of moderate-intensity exercise are likely to benefit psychologically,” study author Patrick O’Connor, Ph.D., of the University of Georgia in Athens, told HealthDay.

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