Improving Physical Fitness in Children with ADHD Through Virtual Physical Activity: A Randomized Controlled Trial
| Author | Ayoub Hashemi | en |
| Author | Elahe Siavashi | en |
| Author | Abouzar Saadatian | en |
| Orcid | Ayoub Hashemi [0009-0001-6053-5969] | en |
| Orcid | Elahe Siavashi [0000-0003-3843-3007] | en |
| Orcid | Abouzar Saadatian [0000-0003-3232-9727] | en |
| Issued Date | 2026-01-31 | en |
| Abstract | Background: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic condition that causes impairment in executive function. Objectives: The present randomized controlled trial aimed to assess how virtual physical activity (VPA) affected physical fitness metrics in children with ADHD. Methods: Eighty boys with ADHD, aged 7 to 10, were randomly assigned using a 1:1 allocation ratio via computer-generated block randomization to either a non-active control group (n = 40) or a 12-week VPA intervention group (n = 40). A third, typically developing (TD) comparison group (n = 40) was also included. Twice-weekly online workouts that focused on locomotor, manipulative, and stability abilities were part of the intervention. Physical fitness outcomes were assessed at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at 12-week follow-up using standardized measures of physical fitness. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics and a series of combined two-way variance analyses with repeated measurements at a significance level of 0.05, using SPSS23 software. Results: The results demonstrated that children in the VPA group outperformed children in the control group in terms of aerobic capacity, muscle strength, and flexibility (P < 0.01, η2 from 0.28 to 0.34). At the follow-up, these increases persisted. The indices of physical fitness showed significant impact sizes. The control group showed no discernible gains. According to research, structured VPA programs provide children with ADHD with a non-pharmacological, useful, pleasurable, and efficient means of promoting their physical development. Conclusions: These findings have significant ramifications for how educational and therapeutic approaches are developed and applied in environments that assist people with developmental disabilities. | en |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.5812/zjrms-164115 | en |
| URI | https://brieflands.com/journals/zjrms/articles/164115 | en |
| Keyword | ADHD | en |
| Keyword | Virtual Education | en |
| Keyword | Physical Health | en |
| Keyword | Neurodevelopmental Disorders | en |
| Publisher | Brieflands | en |
| Title | Improving Physical Fitness in Children with ADHD Through Virtual Physical Activity: A Randomized Controlled Trial | en |
| Type | Research Article | en |
Files
Original bundle
1 - 1 of 1
Loading...
- Name:
- zjrms-28-1-164115-publish-pdf.pdf
- Size:
- 216.47 KB
- Format:
- Adobe Portable Document Format
- Description:
- Article/s PDF