Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice ›› 2024, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (4): 479-486.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-9771.2024.04.014

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Effect of ball-based physical activity on basic motor skills and executive function in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

LI Liang1, HUANG Ziyun2, YANG Yicheng1, WU Xueping1()   

  1. 1. School of Physical Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
    2. School of Athletic Preformance, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
  • Received:2024-03-05 Revised:2024-03-24 Published:2024-04-25 Online:2024-05-08
  • Contact: WU Xueping, E-mail: wuxueping@edu.sus.cn
  • Supported by:
    Shanghai High-level Talent Foundation(TP2020063)

Abstract:

Objective To investigate the effect of ball-based physical activity intervention on basic motor skills and executive function in children with attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD).

Methods In September, 2023, 28 ADHD children aged six to twelve years were recruited from two general public elementary school in Shanghai, and were randomly divided into control group (n = 12) and experimental group (n = 16), while healthy children of the same age group were selected as healthy control group (n = 14). The experimental group was intervened with a ball physical activity program, while the control and healthy control groups performed regular physical activities, for eight weeks. Before and after intervention, the basic motor skill scores (displacement score, control score) of all participants were assessed using Test of Gross Motor Development-3 (TGMD-3); three subfunctions of the subjects' executive functioning, including inhibitory control, working memory and cognitive flexibility, were measured using the n-back task, Stroop Color-word Test and the Task switching task, respectively.

Results After intervention, the total score of TGMD-3 (t= -14.867, P < 0.001, Cohen d = 3.72), and scores of displacement skills (t= -8.081, P < 0.001, Cohen d = 2.02) and control-like skills (t= -7.290, P < 0.001, Cohen d =1.82) increased in the experimental group; the response time of the 1-back task (t= 3.009, P= 0.009, Cohen d = 0.02), and the accuracy (t= -2.657, P= 0.018, Cohen d = 0.66) and response time (t= -2.657, P= 0.025, Cohen d = 0.62) of the Task switching task improved in the experimental group.

Conclusion Ball-based physical activity intervention could improve the basic motor skill level and executive function of children with ADHD.

Key words: attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, ball physical activity, basic motor skill, executive function

CLC Number: