Effect of Multimodal Therapy Incorporating High-Intensity Interval Training on Physical Fitness and Attention Skills in School-Going Children with ADHD
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Effect of Multimodal Therapy Incorporating High-Intensity Interval Training on Physical Fitness and Attention Skills in School-Going Children with ADHD
Dr. Ishani Sinha1
1Galgotias University, Department of Physiotherapy,Greater Noida, UP, India
ishani.sinha@galgotiasuniversity.edu.in
Abstract:Background: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with deficitsin attention, executive function, and physical fitness. Multimodal therapy is recommended for its management, with physical activity, particularly High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), emerging as a promising adjunct intervention. Aim:To evaluate the effect of a multimodal intervention incorporating HIIT on physical fitness and attention skills in schoolgoing children with ADHD. Methods: A p re–post quasi-experimental study with a non-randomized controlled design was conducted among 20 children with ADHD (7–12 years), divided into intervention (n=10) and control (n=10) groups. The intervention group received an 8-week HIIT-based program (3 sessions/week), while the control group continued routine activities. Outcome measures included physical fitness (PACER, push-up, sit-and-reach tests) and cognitive function(CPT-3, Stroop test, BRIEF-2). Data were analysed using paired and independent t-tests with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: The intervention group showed significant improvements in physical fitness (PACER, push-up, sit-and-reach; p≤ 0.001) and cognitive outcomes (CPT, Stroop, BRIEF-2; p ≤ 0.006), whereas the control group showed no significant changes (p > 0.05). Between-group analysis revealed significant differences in PACER (p = 0.044), push-up (p = 0.015), and Stroop scores (p = 0.031). Conclusion: Multimodal therapy incorporating HIIT significantly improves physical fitness and selected cognitive functions in children with ADHD. It is a feasible, cost-effective, and engaging intervention that cancomplement conventional ADHD management in school settings.
Key Words : ADHD, High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), Multimodal Therapy, Physical Fitness.
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