Effect of high intensity interval training on serum adiponectin and motor proficiency in student boys with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Abnormal serum levels of adiponectin have been observed in obesity, type II diabetes and insulin resistance, but also in patients with psychiatric disorders. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 6 weeks high intensity interval training on adiponectin levels and improvement of motor proficiency in adolescent boys with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
In this quasi-experimental research, twenty adolescent boys (mean age: 12.7±5.3 years) with ADHD were randomly allocated to high intensity interval training and control groups. The training protocol included 20 meters running 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 for six weeks. At the beginning and end of the sixth week adiponectin levels and mean scores of motor proficiency were assessed. Independent t-tests were used to assess the effectiveness of the exercise.
Data analysis showed that high intensity interval training enhanced serum adiponectin levels (P=0.004) and the mean scores of motor proficiency (P=0.001) significantly in experimental group.
Generally, the present study revealed that high intensity interval training as an effective method has a positive impact on weight loss, increased level of serum adiponectin and improvement of motor skills in adolescents with ADHD.