ADHD or Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a mental health condition that can cause a variety of symptoms, including trouble concentrating and impetuous behaviors. Regular exercise might be advantageous for managing behavior and enhancing cognitive function. An individual with untreated ADHD might find it difficult to maintain attention, manage their impulses, and manage their energy levels. Doctors might over individuals with ADHD several treatments, such as behavioral management techniques, medication, and other tactics, which might involve exercise.
Hadar Swersky says that mental health practitioners can suggest recommend physical exercise together with medical or therapeutic treatment options. Both noncardiovascular and cardiovascular exercise show some guarantee as treatments for ADHD symptoms. But, regular exercise does not mean that a person will see improvements automatically in all facets of the condition. Regular exercise is essential for everyone, as it assists boost mood, keep the body healthy, and enhance quality of life. It may offer several benefits such as:
- enhanced executive functioning
- reduced impulsivity
- improved attention control
- reduced hyperactivity
Cardiovascular exercises, such as cycling, jogging, and swimming, increase the heart rate for the duration of the exercise to enhance the breathing rate and make the body sweat. On the other hand, noncardiovascular exercises engage the body, but they do not raise the heart and breathing rate consistently and make the person sweat. Examples include tai chi, strength training, and yoga. While multiple factors can add to ADHD, research suggests that individuals with ADHD have structural differences in certain areas of the brain. These differences can result in the brain to respond in a different way to neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine. Both of these brain chemicals play fundamental roles in attention and thinking.
To reap the advantages of physical activity, it is essential that people get regular exercise. An individual with ADHD can aim to follow the suggested exercise schedule for their age group. The most advantageous types of exercise may differ from person to person. Some experts like Hadar Swersky may recommend that people follow a structured program that includes both cardiovascular and strength training. Doctors may suggest doing particularly stimulating or engaging cardiovascular activities. These activities may help engage the person’s brain more, keep them from getting bored, and enhance the cognitive benefits they get from the activity.
Regular exercise can help some people manage their ADHD symptoms. The advantages of physical activity may be because of its ability to increase levels of neurotransmitters in the same manner to ADHD medication. Regular cardiovascular exercise might be most suitable for relieving ADHD symptoms, but any form of exercise is better than none at all. Even though exercise can assist decrease some symptoms of ADHD, it is not enough as a stand-alone treatment. A person must follow their doctor’s advice, which may engage regular exercise together with other treatment options, such as CBT or medication.
