A randomized trial of a swimming-based alternative treatment for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Hattabi, Soukaina; Forte, Pedro; Kukic, Filip; Bouden, Asma; Have, Mona; Chtourou, Hamdi; Sortwell, Andrew

Publication

A randomized trial of a swimming-based alternative treatment for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

2022Journal article

dc.contributor.author	Hattabi, Soukaina
dc.contributor.author	Forte, Pedro
dc.contributor.author	Kukic, Filip
dc.contributor.author	Bouden, Asma
dc.contributor.author	Have, Mona
dc.contributor.author	Chtourou, Hamdi
dc.contributor.author	Sortwell, Andrew
dc.date.accessioned	2022-07-18T08:55:40Z
dc.date.available	2022-07-18T08:55:40Z
dc.date.issued	2022
dc.description.abstract	Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is considered a highly prevalent neurodevelopmental childhood disorder extending from ages 1–2 to 12–13, associated with impairment across multiple domains, including social, emotional, and cognitive functioning. Little is known about alternative treatments for this disorder. Interest has grown in physical activity as a potential intervention for rehabilitating children with ADHD. This study aimed to investigate the impact of adapted swimming activity on cognitive functions, academic performance, and related behavior of Tunisian children with ADHD. The study was conducted on school children aged 9 to 12 years (n = 40, 5 female and 35 male) diagnosed with ADHD. They were randomly assigned to an experimental group (exercise intervention) or the control group. The Hayling test was used to assess cognitive performance, the Children Behavior Check List (CBCL) was used to assess ADHD-related behavior, and the change in reading and numeracy proficiency was assessed pre- and post-intervention. After 12 weeks of the intervention, the results revealed that there were significant improvements in behavior (p < 0.001), inhibition process (p < 0.001), and academic performance (p < 0.001) in the experimental group compared with the control group. These findings suggest that adapted swimming activity may have positive implications for cognitive function, behavior, and academic performance. This research may provide preliminary support for alternative therapeutic interventions that could be used by practitioners. Moreover, the results support active practice of recreational physical activities as a strategy to support children in overcoming ADHD deficiencies.	pt_PT
dc.description.version	info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion	pt_PT
dc.identifier.citation	Hattabi, Soukaina; Forte, Pedro; Kukic, Filip; Bouden, Asma; Have, Mona; Chtourou, Hamdi; Sortwella, Andrew. (2022). A randomized trial of a swimming-based alternative treatment for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. International Journal Of Environmental Research And Public Health. EISSN 1660-4601. 19:23, p. 1-14	pt_PT
dc.identifier.eissn	1660-4601
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10198/25666
dc.language.iso	eng	pt_PT
dc.peerreviewed	yes	pt_PT
dc.publisher	MDPI	pt_PT
dc.rights.uri	http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/	pt_PT
dc.subject	Adapted aquatic activity	pt_PT
dc.subject	Motor control	pt_PT
dc.subject	Disruptive behavior	pt_PT
dc.subject	Academic performance
dc.title	A randomized trial of a swimming-based alternative treatment for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder	pt_PT
dc.type	journal article
dspace.entity.type	Publication
oaire.citation.title	International Journal Of Environmental Research And Public Health	pt_PT
person.familyName	Forte
person.givenName	Pedro
person.identifier.ciencia-id	351B-B16B-79C7
person.identifier.orcid	0000-0003-0184-6780
rcaap.rights	openAccess	pt_PT
rcaap.type	article	pt_PT
relation.isAuthorOfPublication	3ecc6d1b-07a4-40d7-81f4-df6fd7b3d5b0
relation.isAuthorOfPublication.latestForDiscovery	3ecc6d1b-07a4-40d7-81f4-df6fd7b3d5b0