Acute effects of physical exercise on cognitive and psychological functioning in college students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. (March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: LaCount, Patrick A.; Hartung, Cynthia M.; Vasko, John M.; Serrano, Judah W.; Wright, Halle A.; Smith, Derek T.
• Is Part Of: Mental health and physical activity. Volume 22(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-03
• Subjects: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder -- Internalizing symptomatology -- Cognition -- High-intensity interval training -- College students; Mental illness -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Exercise -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Depression, Mental -- Exercise therapy -- Periodicals; Anxiety -- Exercise therapy -- Periodicals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mhpa.2022.100443
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1755-2966

Abstract

Abstract: We sought to elucidate the acute effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) among college students with and without attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Participants were age- and sex-matched across ADHD ( n = 18) and non-ADHD groups ( n = 18) and both groups completed baseline (non-HIIT) and experimental sessions (HIIT). We examined within- and between-subject effects on a continuous performance task (CPT) and self-reported ADHD and internalizing symptomatology. We found that the degree of improvement on ADHD and depressive symptomatology, as well as processing speed and response variability following HIIT was significantly greater for the ADHD group than the comparison group. Further investigations such as randomized controlled trials focusing on the chronic effects of sustained HIIT interventions are needed to substantiate the potential feasibility and efficacy of HIIT as an intervention. HIIT may be a useful adjunct to psychosocial and/or pharmacological treatments for college students with ADHD because it: (a) yields immediate, acute improvements in executive functioning, ADHD, and mood; (b) promotes improved physical and mental health; (c) poses a relatively low risk of deleterious effects in apparently healthy college students. Even with the need for additional research, current data suggest a single, brief, high-intensity bout of aerobic exercise can yield immediate significant short-term improvements. These improvements may enhance functioning and improve outcomes for college students with ADHD. Highlights: The ADHD group reported small to medium improvements for ADHD symptoms after HIIT. The ADHD group reported medium-sized improvements in depressive symptoms after HIIT. The ADHD group reported medium-sized improvements on two AX-CPT outcomes after HIIT. Results suggest a brief, HIIT session can yield immediate short-term improvements. Future studies should continue to evaluate HIIT and its impact on outcomes.