Exercises For Add Patients

If you or someone in your family has attention deficit disorder, or ADD, your health-care provider may prescribe medication that can help with the associated symptoms, such as inattention and impulsiveness. In many cases, ADD medications, including stimulants and antidepressants, are helpful for ADD patients; however, they are not without side effects and health risks, according to MayoClinic.com. People with ADD may opt for natural methods such as daily exercise to help cope with symptoms.

Benefits

Whether or not hyperactivity symptoms are present with ADD, exercise is often beneficial for those with the disorder. It's especially helpful for easing the symptoms of anxiety that are often associated with ADD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder --- ADHD, according to ADD expert Dr. John J. Ratey. It is a common belief that the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine are diminished in patients with ADD/ADHD, and exercise increases the concentration of both of these neurotransmitters in the brain. Therefore, increasing exercise can help ADD/ADHD patients with their symptoms, and participating in daily exercise may be similar to taking typical prescription medications, says Ratey in the ADD magazine "ADDitude." Further, regular exercise helps the brain to become healthier over time because not only does it encourage cardiocirculatory health, but also long-term neurotransmitter function and growth.

Aerobic Exercise

Aerobic exercise that pumps the heart is especially helpful for those with ADD/ADHD. The more you increase blood flow to the brain, the better it functions. Blood flow stimulates the release of brain-derived compounds, such as neurotropic factor, or BDNF, according to Dr. Edward Hallowell on the "ADDitude" website. BDNF encourages the growth of new brain cells. Exercising just 30 minutes a day can promote brain health and help relieve some of the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Patients can include any type of aerobic or cardio activity in their daily schedules, such as walking, jogging and dancing.

Martial Arts

Many forms of martial arts practice provide a full-on cardio workout, including jujitsu, tae kwon do and karate. While martial arts practice can improve fitness and brain health because of the aerobic activity involved, it can also promote emotional health, especially for those suffering with ADD/ADHD, says clinician and educator Michael J. Formica for "Psychology Today." Martial arts practice not only helps encourage the development of a stronger self-esteem, but also self-control. It is especially beneficial for helping ADD/ADHD patients to develop social intelligence and mental discipline. Regular martial arts training is also calming, and some forms, such as tai chi, are especially meditative and teach you to become fully aware of your environment, which is something ADD patients can especially benefit from.

Yoga

Although yoga practice does not typically provide an intense cardio workout, it does build strength and stamina and provides an efficient, low-impact workout. Like tai chi, yoga practice has a meditative and calming effect and can help ADD patients with symptoms such as anxiety. The breathing and stretching techniques involved in yoga practice also boost cardiocirculatory health. Yoga practice helps with controlling ADD/ADHD symptoms, but it may also help with reducing "long-term dependency on medication" for ADD patients, according to the website for "Yoga Journal." However, there is no conclusive scientific evidence that alternative medicine treatments, including yoga and meditation, help reduce the symptoms of ADD/ADHD, according to MayoClinic.com. Nevertheless, MayoClinic.com reports that research does show that regular exercise provides psychological and physical benefits and can "help reduce anxiety and improve mood."