QUALITY OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY-BASED INTERVENTIONS FOR CHILDREN WITH ADHD: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND IMPLICATIONS FOR SPORTS PRACTICE

Julia Stoltny; Julia Kwiecień; Magdalena Mida; Anna Maruszak; Magdalena Michalik; Urszula Majda; Magdalena Lisik; Justyna Goryczka; Witold Kimla; Natalia Hajok

doi:10.31435/ijitss.1(49).2026.4974

Authors

Julia Stoltny Zagłębie Clinical Hospital in Czeladź, Szpitalna 40, 41-250 Czeladź, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-0162-1809
Julia Kwiecień Municipal Hospital in Ruda Slaska, Wincentego Lipa 2, 41-703 Ruda Śląska, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-2458-3224
Magdalena Mida Sosnowiec Municipal Hospital, Emila Zegadłowicza 3, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-2815-6893
Anna Maruszak American Heart of Poland, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-2871-8800
Magdalena Michalik Hospital of the Brothers Hospitallers of Saint John of God, ul. Trynitarska 11, 31-061 Cracow, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-6463-0802
Urszula Majda Jędrzej Śniadecki Specialist Hospital in Nowy Sącz, Młyńska 10, 33-300 Nowy Sącz, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-5144-2883
Magdalena Lisik Szpital Grochowski im. dr med. Rafała Masztaka SPZOZ, Grenadierów 51/59, 04-073 Warszawa, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0000-6196-3386
Justyna Goryczka District Hospital in Chrzanów, Topolowa 16, 32-500 Chrzanów, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-4660-8318
Witold Kimla District Hospital in Chrzanów, Topolowa 16, 32-500 Chrzanów, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-0695-9541
Natalia Hajok Individual Medical Practice, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-5305-6075

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.1(49).2026.4974

Keywords:

ADHD; Physical Activity; Children; Intervention Quality; Executive Functions; Sport Practice

Abstract

Introduction: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood and is associated with persistent difficulties in attention regulation, impulse control, emotional regulation, and social functioning [1,4]. In recent years, physical activity–based interventions have gained increasing attention as complementary approaches to standard pharmacological and behavioral treatments [6,10].

Objective: The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the quality and effectiveness of physical activity–based interventions used in working with children diagnosed with ADHD, with particular emphasis on methodological rigor and implications for sport and physical education practice.

Materials and methods: A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Peer-reviewed studies published between 2008 and 2024 were included if they examined structured physical activity interventions in children with ADHD. The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines [17].

Results: The reviewed studies indicate that well-structured physical activity interventions may contribute to improvements in attention, executive functions, emotional regulation, and behavioral outcomes in children with ADHD [14,19,22]. However, considerable heterogeneity was observed in study design, intervention duration, intensity, and outcome measures [5,10].

Conclusion: Physical activity–based interventions represent a promising complementary approach in supporting children with ADHD. High-quality, structured, and individualized programs appear to yield the most consistent benefits. Further research should focus on standardized intervention protocols and long-term outcomes.

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