The Effectiveness of Psycho-Motor Training on Improving the Mobility Problems of Students With Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Background Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurological disorder-behavior which is common among children, affecting their performance with respect to social, educational and family aspects. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of perceptual-motor exercises on improving the motor capabilities of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Materials & Methods This research is a semi-experimental one. The study populations of the research were elementary boy students with ADHD living in Ilam City, Iran during the academic year 2012-2013. The sample consisted of 30 boy students who were of 7-12 years old with ADHD, which were examined according to DSM-IV criteria and Conner's questionnaire and selected as the case group undergone test motor development (Lincoln Oseretsky test). They were divided randomly into control and experimental groups. The experimental group received 24 sessions intervention. Posttest was performed for both groups. The obtained data were analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics, and independent t test through using SPSS version 13.
Results The results showed that cognitive-movement exercise improved mobility problems of students with ADHD. Therefore it is recommended to increase the physical fitness of children with ADHD in schools and, thus for improving motor impairment, cognitive-movement training exercises be performed.
Conclusion Based on research findings, it can be concluded that cognitive-movement exercises improves mobility problems of students with ADHD. Therefore, it is recommended that, to increase the physical fitness of children in schools and thus for improving their motor impairment, cognitive-movement training exercises be performed.