ADHD, Motor Activity and Executive Functions
Research in Developmental Disabilities published a study on the motor activity of boys (age 8–12 years) with (n = 19) and without (n = 18) ADHD during different executive function tasks. Motor activity was objectively measured during two working memory tasks, a choice reaction time task (less demand on executive functions) and a reaction time task (least demand on executive functions). The following results were recorded:
- The boys in the ADHD group exhibited greater motor activity compared to children in the non-ADHD group.
- The ADHD and the non-ADHD group both exhibited the greatest motor activity during conditions with high working memory demands, followed by the reaction time and control task conditions, respectively.
- In general large-magnitude motor activity increases were associated with working memory demands.
- Small to moderate increases in motor activity were also seen during non-executive processes.
Reference: Kristen L. Hudec, R. Matt Alderson, Connor H.G. Patros, Sarah E. Lea, Stephanie J. Tarle, Lisa J. Kasper. Hyperactivity in boys with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): The role of executive and non-executive functions. Research in Developmental Disabilities, Volumes 45–46, October–November 2015, 46
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