Navigating the Effects of Aerobic Exercise in Treating Patients with ADHD

Hassan Khalid¹, Mohammad Waqas²
¹ Tbilisi State Medical University
² Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University

Introduction

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent condition affecting millions of children and adolescents worldwide, causing challenges related to attention, organization, and impulse control. Disturbances in dopamine and norepinephrine pathways characterizethis disorder, leading to diminished neurotransmitter levels, particularly in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Despite the existence of treatments like methylphenidate, their efficacy is often accompanied by undesirable side effects.

Methods

The objective of this study is to minimize the necessary effective dose of pharmacologic treatments through the incorporation of adjuvant therapies, specifically aerobic exercise. Combining aerobic exercise with medication has shown promising outcomes, resulting in asignificant reduction in total ADHD scores and a decline in perseverative errors.

Results

Brain imaging revealed noteworthy changes associated with this combined approach. There was heightened activity in the right frontal cortex, indicating improved problem-solving skills. Additionally, significant activity was observed in the left parietal lobe, contributing to enhancements in math, writing, and language skills.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates the substantial potential of aerobic exercise as an adjuvant therapy for managing ADHD symptoms andenhancing cognition. This approach opens new avenues for the future of ADHD treatment, suggesting a more holistic and potentially side- effect-reducing strategy.

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