Single Exercise for Core Symptoms and Executive Functions in ADHD: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objectives: A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies of single exercise on core symptoms and executive function in adolescents with ADHD. Methods: Four databases were searched for studies of the effects of single exercise on core symptoms and executive functioning in adolescents with ADHD. Results: Thirteen studies were included, and a single session of exercise had small effect-size improvements in core symptoms and executive function in adolescents with ADHD: 10 to 13 year olds in the early adolescent–elementary school years and 18 to 24 year olds in the late adolescent–college years. Moderate-intensity continuous training, high-intensity interval training, single sessions of less than 30 minutes, and single sessions of 30 minutes and more significantly improved cycling training, attention, inhibition, substance use, and pre-study abstinence. Conclusions: A single session of exercise had an overall ameliorative effect on core symptoms and executive function in adolescents with ADHD.