A Randomized Trial of a Swimming-Based Alternative Treatment for Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
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Journal: Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022,19,16238.
Authors: Hattabi S et al.
This study investigated the impact of a 12-week adapted swimming activity on cognitive functions, academic performance, and related behaviors in children with ADHD, 9 to 12 years old, 5 girls, 35 boys. Pre-post measures were Hayling test, Children Behaviour Check List and Changes in reading and numeracy proficiency. This was a school-based intervention, 3 times per week, 90 minutes per session – 15 min warm-up of group games, 70 min aquatic Ex of aerobic games such as relay races, obstacle course, playing ball (70% Max HR), 5 min cool-down stretching at pool side.
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AEROBIC INTERVENTION:
Swimming laps freestyle, backstroke, elementary backstroke, breaststroke, and only legs kicking while using a kickboard.
Movement activities while standing in the shallow and running in place, jumping jacks, reciprocal arm and leg movements, hopping on one foot, jumping in place, and jumping forwards, backwards, and sideways Relay races in the shallow end running from one side of the pool to the other: (1) filling buckets with balls or other pool toys, (2) shooting a ball into a hoop, or (3) running in teams while holding onto the aquatic noodles.
Obstacle courses: running in the water or swimming while going under, over, and around obstacles or retrieving dive rings.
Games: playing ball by rapidly catching, throwing, and shooting baskets into a basketball net, playing keep the ball away from the coaches, and straddle sitting on the aquatic noodle and “racing the horse” the length of the pool.
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Children who participated in the swimming program had significant improvement in all measures compared to control group (no swimming). Conclusion: swimming games have a positive effect on aspects of neurocognitive function and inhibitory control in children, 9-12 years old, who have ADHD. The structure and regimen of the aquatic program allow the child some control to pace and make decisions while the water games are creative, playful and motivational.
