Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is diagnosed when a child displays the behaviors associated with ADHD for at least six months in a row and these behaviors negatively affect two areas of his life, such as home and school, reports KidsHealth.org. The negative effects that behaviors associated with ADHD can have on a child can be reduced when a child engages in regular exercise.
Basics
ADHD is a mental health disorder that can cause an array of symptoms. ADHD is usually diagnosed at an early age when a child displays symptoms of being either inattentive or hyperactive and impulsive. Children with the inattentive type of ADHD are at greater risk of remaining undiagnosed than those children who display the hyperactive and impulsive behaviors because the latter usually cause more public disruptions.
Signs and Symptoms
Children who display the symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity seem to be constantly in motion; they do more than one thing at a time and have trouble maintaining concentration or listening to others for any length of time. They may often run around and interrupt people. Children with the inattentive type of ADHD may be unable to complete projects, unable to engage in multiple things at one time, daydream, lose things and overlook details.
Significance
Children with the inattentive type of ADHD and those with the hyperactive-impulsive type generally have higher energy levels than children without ADHD. The excess energy can get children into constant trouble with teachers and parents. These children may have a hard time sleeping, causing the symptoms of ADHD to worsen. Having excess energy makes exercise and physical activity important and beneficial to these children.
Considerations
Participating in organized sports or engaging in regular physical activity can help children with ADHD burn up their excess energy through positive methods, notes HelpGuide.org. Physical activity can improve concentration, decrease risk of depression and anxiety, promote brain growth and improve sleep, which can decrease symptoms of ADHD, reports HelpGuide.org.
Solution
Children with ADHD should be involved in physical activity that plays to their strengths. According to HelpGuide.org, sports that require constant motion, like basketball, are good options for children with ADHD who have short attention spans. Also, activities such as martial arts training and yoga have demonstrated effectiveness at challenging children with ADHD to gain mental control and burn off energy, notes HelpGuide.org. Getting regular exercise will help children with ADHD be more successful in the classroom and at home. A child should engage in physical activities he enjoys, as this will also help to increase her self-esteem.
