The effect of high intensity interval training on serum serotonin and perceptual-motor skills in boy's student with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral disorder in children, which is characterized by one or a combination of three factors including hyperactivity, inattentiveness and impulsiveness. This disorder may damage there motor skills. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of 6 weeks high intensity interval training on serum serotonin and perceptual motor skills in adolescent boys with ADHD.
In this quasi-experimental, 20 adolescent boys with ADHD were randomly allocated to high intensity interval training and control groups. The training group, trained for 6 weeks. The training protocol included running sweep at the distance of 20 meters, 3 times a week, with the repetitions of 4 times at the first and second week, the repetitions of 5 times at the third and fourth week and the repetitions of 6 times in the fifth and sixth week. At the beginning and end of the sixth week, anthropometric indices, serotonin levels and scores of perceptual motor skills were assessed. Data were analyzed by paired t-test and analysis of covariance. The level of statistical significance was set at p≤0.05.
After 6 weeks, the average of serum serotonin levels (p=0.025), and the mean scores of perceptual motor skills (p=0.046) in experimental group were significantly increased. Body mass index (p=0.047) and body fat percent (p=0.048) were decreased significantly in experimental group.
ž The present study revealed that high intensity interval training as a non-pharmacological method has a positive impact on serum serotonin levels and perceptual-motor skills in adolescents with ADHD.