Effect of Physical Activity on Cognitive Functions in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder:

Paola Teresa Penagos Gómez; Cyndi Yacira Meneses Castaño; Karen Montserrat León Laredo; Ana Paula Bernal Salazar; Tali Bianca Soltak Goldberg

doi:10.46642/efd.v30i325.7780

Paola Teresa Penagos Gómez Universidad Anáhuac Norte https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=wV9grdcAAAAJ&hl=es https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4089-3774
Cyndi Yacira Meneses Castaño Escuela Colombiana de Rehabilitación (ECR) https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=CmZJjycAAAAJ&hl=en https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9793-8374
Karen Montserrat León Laredo Universidad Anáhuac Norte
Ana Paula Bernal Salazar Universidad Anáhuac Norte
Tali Bianca Soltak Goldberg Universidad Anáhuac Norte

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46642/efd.v30i325.7780

Abstract

Children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often experience difficulties in the development of executive functions, which may persist into adulthood. The purpose of this study is to analyze and synthesize scientific literature on the effect of physical activity on children and adolescents with ADHD. A systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines, searching PubMed and Scopus from 2015 to 2024 without gender or language restrictions. A total of 231 studies were identified, of which 18 met the selection criteria. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics. Results showed that 55.5% of studies were conducted in Europe, and the highest % of publications occurred in 2022 at 33.3%. Evidence supported aerobic physical activity, specific sports, and physical activity mediated by apps and electronic devices. Studies indicated that an average of 15 to 20 minutes of daily intervention over 12 weeks could improve working memory, visuospatial memory, self-regulation, planning, and anticipation. In conclusion, physical activity contributes to the development and maintenance of executive functions.

Keywords: Physical activity, Child, Adolescent, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

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