Physical Activity on Impulsivity Control in Pediatric ADHD

Poster Session A - Saturday, April 13, 2024, 2:30 – 4:30 pm EDT, Sheraton Hall ABC

Lauren Dacorro^1,2 (ldacorro6@gmail.com), Jennifer Bruno², Elveda Gozdas², S.M. Hadi Hosseini², Shu-Shih Hsieh¹; ¹Kingston University London, ²Stanford University

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, significantly affects daily functioning (American Psychological Association, 2013). While intervention research suggest that physical exercise may reduce symptoms and improve cognitive performance in children with ADHD, much is still unknown regarding the relationship of daily physical activity behavior with impulsivity control, a core cognitive underpinning of ADHD (Etnier et al., 1997). Using the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study baseline data, a multiple linear regression analysis was conducted exploring the relationship between self-reported physical activity, ADHD diagnosis, and Stop- Signal performance. We hypothesized that ADHD diagnosis will be associated with worse Stop- signal performance, and that increased weekly physical activity will be associated with enhanced Stop-Signal response accuracy. During the Stop-Signal task, participants aged 9 to 10 were assessed on their ability to withhold responses to "Stop" stimulus following a "Go" stimulus. ADHD diagnosis was confirmed through the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (KSADS) computerized parent report, while weekly physical activity was assessed using the Sports Activities Involvement Questionnaire. After excluding participants with comorbidities and non-stimulant neuropsychiatric medications, the analysis included 434 participants with ADHD and 3,966 typically developing children. As expected, ADHD diagnosis was associated with decreased Stop-signal accuracy. Notably, increased weekly physical activity predicted better Stop-signal accuracy. Findings of the current analysis suggest the potential of physical activity to fortify impulsivity control in ADHD.

Topic Area: EXECUTIVE PROCESSES: Monitoring & inhibitory control