Physical exercise might reduce ADHD symptoms in kids

October 31, 2012

New research suggests 20 minutes of activity seems to allow kids with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder settle in to read or solve a math problem.

The small study in the Journal of Pediatrics looked only at the short-term effects. And, researchers caution, they are not saying exercise is the answer to ADHD, but it does seem to have some effect.

There has been a lot of research looking at the brain power of adults who exercise daily. But little is known about children, even though some parents, teachers and doctors have advocated exercise for children with ADHD.

Researchers want more studies to better understand if exercise really helps and why it may work.

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