ADHD AND EXERCISE

Load: Let pain guide gradual return to activity, optimal loading promotes repair, remodelling and builds tissue tolerance and capacity.

Optimism: Expectations are associated with outcome and recovery. Belief and emotion influence symptoms as much or potentially more than the actual severity of the injury.

Vascularisation: Find a pain free cardiovascular exercise to increase blood flow to the area.

Exercise: Restore strength, mobility and function by being active in your recovery and doing the work your body needs to recover and prevent re-injury.

For further advice or individualised help recovering from injury, contact Moreton All Body

Care to book with one of their qualified health professionals.

BEHAVIOUR and cognitive challenges are often experienced by individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However, studies show that exercise has strong effects on brain structure and function and can be effective for individuals with ADHD. In fact, individuals with ADHD are thought to receive greater cognitive benefit from exercise than those without ADHD.

Currently, behaviour modification and medication are commonly used to manage ADHD symptoms. Exercise and physical activity can be used to help support these treatment methods, in addition to having multiple physical and mental health benefits for children with ADHD. Exercise naturally stimulates the brain, similarly to the way medications do, and can be particularly effective for individuals struggling with typical behaviour and/or medication interventions, due to the lack of negative side-effects. In addition to the cognitive benefits experienced by engaging in regular physical activity, behavioural improvements, general health benefits, increased self-esteem, and confidence have been noted. Regular physical activity also has benefits in relation to learning, both directly and indirectly.

Direct Benefits to Learning

Improvement in memory

Greater problem-solving ability

Improved attention

Improved brain processing speed

Indirect Benefits to Learning

Reduced impulsivity

Reduced anxiety

In accordance with the Australian Physical Activity Guidelines for children and adolescents, it is recommended that children should engage in at least 60 minutes of exercise per day. A few ways to keep kids active and engaging in physical activity include:

Finding a sport/physical activity the child enjoys and wants to participate in

Replace a portion of screen time with active games/activities