Scheduled for Research Consortium Health and Special Populations Poster Session, Friday, April 15, 2005, 1:15 PM - 2:45 PM, Convention Center: Exhibit Hall Poster Area I


Physical Education Intervention for Children With ADHD (Health)

Merav Nagel, National Association of Child Development, Ogden, UT

The study addresses drug dependence and reliance in treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD). It offers alternative, which is natural (no chemicals are involved), cost effective. Substituting the conventional/traditional medical prescription with a fitness-conditioning intervention allows receiving better outcomes at the behavioral, cognitive, and physical levels, with no side effects. The effect of the study on the method is moving from a quick short-term fix, touching the surface of the symptoms and ignoring the long-term abuse, to a healthier approach, making the brain creating its own chemicals and neurotransmitters (such as dopamine) to produce the same effect of ADHD medications. The conceptual framework of this study serves two main objectives: (a) minimizing medication intake, abuse, or addiction, and (b) maximizing the child active role in managing his/her own classroom functioning. Students with ADHD at the age 11-13 (N=40), were randomly assigned into two groups: (a) continue medication treatment (n=19*), and (b) discontinue medication treatment, replacing it by the fitness-conditioning intervention (n=17*). * Four students were excluded from the study due to not complying with the study protocol. The intervention program was proven to be challenging, stimulating, and intensive, to fit the changing environment and needs of participants. The intervention was implemented on a daily basis for 45 min during 3 months. Teachers rated all participated students on the ADHD checklist (Reiff, 1993) in a double blind study procedure, at the beginning and end of each day. Analysis of the teachers’ assessments revealed that the incidents of behavioral misconduct decreased and academic achievements increased. Results suggest that a fitness-conditioning intervention might be a useful tool in treating ADHD.


Keyword(s): elementary education, health promotion, wellness/disease prevention

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