This course has been designed to introduce practitioners to the use of physical activity as a potential treatment intervention for ADHD symptoms. We will review research on the use of physical activity as an adjunct and stand-alone intervention and discuss its efficacy for the prevention and treatment of ADHD, trauma-related symptoms, and acute stressors. Finally, we will provide evidence-based recommendations on the dose-response of physical activity for the treatment of ADHD and potential barriers/limitations.

Level: Intermediate

Learning Objectives

• Describe the efficacy of physical activity interventions for the treatment of ADHD-related symptoms.
• Identify what kinds of exercise are associated with improvements in ADHD symptoms.
• Identify dose response (e.g., frequency, intensity) of exercise associated with improvements in ADHD symptoms. 
• Make recommendations for the inclusion of physical activity for clients with ADHD symptoms.