Children diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder---ADHD---could have difficulties finding activities that will keep them busy and their minds stimulated. ADHD is a neurobehavioral disorder that causes impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention in children. The disorder affects approximately 3 to 5 percent of school-aged children, with 4.5 million children ages 5 to 17 reported in 2006, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Engaging children in exercises naturally increases the neurotransmitters---norepinephrine and dopamine---that help with the ability to focus without the unwanted side effects from medications.
Individual
Dr. Amnon Gimpel, a psychiatrist and neurologist who wrote "Brain Exercises to Cure ADHD," notes that the best way to build brain muscles is with exercises that combine mental and physical activities, according to Health.com. In addition, Dr. Gimpel states, "Any exercises that involve the coordination of complex movement stimulate the brain activities."
Some of the exercises suggested by Dr. Gimpel include martial arts, ballet and gymnastics. Although these exercises can challenge children because of the repetition and strict adherence to rules, the exercises builds brain muscles, increases dopamine and mental focus, teaches self-discipline and improves memory.
Cardiovascular
Any cardiovascular exercises that get the heart rate elevated increase the neurotransmitters that improve the ability to focus. Dr. John Ratey, associate clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and author of "Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain," believes exercise can reduce and possibly eliminate the need for medication in some ADHD children. Dr. Ratey suggests that running, biking and other aerobic exercises will increase the dopamine levels to keep the ADHD symptoms under control.
According to ADDitude magazine, a school in Colorado has been proactive with teaching children exercise in the curriculum to teach alertness. Prior to the start of the school day, the students engage in 20 minutes of aerobic exercise. However, if the students act inappropriately, the teacher sends the child to a 10-minute stint on a stationary bike or elliptical trainer to regulate mood. Dr. Ratey states this form of exercise is "empowering" and results in children learning how to regulate mood through the form of exercise.
Team
Team sports are great for an ADHD child to gain social skills, learn to play with peers, follow directions and burn off energy. Finding a team sport for a child diagnosed with ADHD can become a daunting task. When you are considering a team sport such as football, baseball or basketball, an ADHD child's lack of distraction, difficulty following directions and low frustration levels could hamper the ability to succeed and enjoy the sport, according to ADDitude magazine.
However, children with ADHD are successful in participating in these sports with full parental involvement to ensure the child does not digress. These sports are full of cardiovascular and agility exercises that can assist a child with ADHD with deep mental focus.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder-Data & Statistics
- Health: Brain Games and Exercise: A Drug-Free Treatment for ADHD?
- Mental Help: ADHD, Medication and Exercise
- ADDitude: Exercise: An Alternative ADHD Treatment Without Side Effects
- ADDitude: Game On: Picking Sports for ADHD Children
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