The American Psychiatric Association states that between 3-7% of school aged children have ADHD. Children with ADHD often have difficulty paying attention and controlling impulsive behaviors which often affect their social and educational aspects of their lives.
So what can a physical therapist do for our children here in Hawaii? Physical therapists are exercise professionals, and in an exploratory study moderate to high intensity exercise program over a 10 week period showed improvements in behavior and cognitive function.
Exercise sessions were held 3 times a week for 45-min periods at lunch time. All sessions were super- vised by a physical activity specialist. Sessions included warm-up; progressive aerobic, muscular, and motor skills exercises; and cool down. The main objective was to maintain moderate to vigorous intensity in each session, as monitored through heart rate. An organized exercise prescription may be what your child needs, as an alternative to conventional medications.
References:
Veret, C et al. A Physical Activity Program Improves Behavior and Cognitive Functions in Children With ADHD : An Exploratory Study. Journal of Attention Disorders 16(1) 71–80.
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html
So what can a physical therapist do for our children here in Hawaii? Physical therapists are exercise professionals, and in an exploratory study moderate to high intensity exercise program over a 10 week period showed improvements in behavior and cognitive function.
Exercise sessions were held 3 times a week for 45-min periods at lunch time. All sessions were super- vised by a physical activity specialist. Sessions included warm-up; progressive aerobic, muscular, and motor skills exercises; and cool down. The main objective was to maintain moderate to vigorous intensity in each session, as monitored through heart rate. An organized exercise prescription may be what your child needs, as an alternative to conventional medications.
References:
Veret, C et al. A Physical Activity Program Improves Behavior and Cognitive Functions in Children With ADHD : An Exploratory Study. Journal of Attention Disorders 16(1) 71–80.
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html
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