Determining the Duration of Effects on Behavior and Academic Outcomes From Single and Multiple Bouts of Moderate Physical Activity for Students with ADHD
Open Access
Author:
Hart, Jeffery Leroy
Graduate Program:
Special Education
Degree:
Doctor of Philosophy
Document Type:
Dissertation
Date of Defense:
September 08, 2015
Committee Members:
David Lee, Committee Chair/Co-Chair Kathy L Ruhl, Committee Member David Brent Mcnaughton, Committee Member John Michael Regan, Committee Member
Keywords:
MVPA ADHD physical activity exercise
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) on the classroom behavior and academic engagement of early elementary children with ADHD. A key extension of the current study was examination of durability of effects of MVPA and implementation of a “Booster” session to increase effects over time. Results of this study indicate MVPA provided at the beginning of the school day can reduce classroom behaviors associated with ADHD. MVPA was shown to have a modest impact on academic engagement for some participants. These improvements, in both behavior and academic engagement, dissipated over time and were not present 90 minutes after participating in the MVPA intervention. In an effort to address the dissipation of effects of MVPA over time, a “booster” MVPA session was evaluated. Results showed that a 3-5 minute booster session of MVPA performed 90 minutes after the initial 15-minute bout of exercise both maintained benefits for all participants and improved behavioral benefits for some participants.
