Abstract
Objective:
This study aimed to assess the impact of exercise on hyperactivity/impulsivity, inhibitory control, and inhibition-related event-related potential (ERP) components in individuals with ADHD.
Method:
A systematic search identified relevant studies, and methodological quality was assessed using the Revised Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2) and the Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I), with data analysis conducted using Stata software.
Results:
A total of 36 studies (38 comparisons) were included, comprising 10 acute and 26 chronic exercise interventions. Exercise yielded a small-to-moderate improvement in inhibitory control but showed no significant effects on hyperactivity/impulsivity or inhibition-related N2 and P3 components. Subgroup analyses of inhibitory control revealed significant moderating effects of age (children/adolescents), intervention type (chronic interventions), frequency (three sessions per week), control condition (sedentary or no-intervention groups), and study quality (studies with moderate or high risk of bias).
Conclusion:
Exercise enhances inhibitory control in individuals with ADHD, with the effect being especially pronounced in children and adolescents. Chronic interventions and a frequency of three sessions per week appear to be most beneficial. However, it shows no significant effect on hyperactivity/impulsivity or inhibition-related N2 and P3 components. The impact of exercising should not be overestimated.
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