ATTITUDES AND BELIEFS IN THE EFFICACY OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ON ADHD

Abstract

Psycho-stimulant medication is primarily the main form of treatment for on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and the detrimental side effects continue to be an issue of controversy. Physical activity has been suggested to provide similar benefits to pharmacological interventions, therefore the attitudes and beliefs of four college lecturers and one support worker were investigated regarding the efficacy of physical activity on ADHD, through structured interviews. Key themes were identified through conversational analysis of transcripts, revealing physical activity to positively improve ADHD symptoms and to effectively be used as a strategy to maintain control of behaviour issues associated with ADHD. Pedagogical adaptations were identified and considered essential when working with ADHD students in the classroom, or in physical activity to improve problematic behaviour. Approaches to physical activity as an alternative treatment for ADHD have been presented with recommendation for future research.