Pay Attention to Your Exercise Habits

Exercise may alleviate symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults, a new study found.

This study, conducted by University of Georgia (UGA) researchers, looked at 32 young adult men who had ADHD symptoms. These men cycled at moderate intensity for 20 minutes on one day and rested for 20 minutes another day.

The study authors asked the participants to perform a task that required focus both before and after the cycling and the resting.

The men reported feeling more motivated to perform the task, more energy, less fatigued and less confused when they were asked to perform the task after exercising, these researchers found. However, this had no effect on attention or hyperactivity measures. 

“Exercise is already known as a stress reducer and mood booster, so it really has the potential to help those suffering with ADHD symptoms,” said senior study author Patrick O’Connor, professor in the UGA College of Education’s kinesiology department, in a press release.

This study was published recently in the journal Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise.

Although this study only looked at 32 people, the findings suggest exercise may have a positive impact on cognitive performance. 

Be sure to speak with your doctor about the best exercise program for you, as not all exercise programs are safe. 

Information on funding sources and conflicts of interest was not available at the time of publication.