Physical Activity Experiences of Boys with and without ADHD

• Published in: Adapted physical activity quarterly Vol. 26; no. 2; pp. 131 - 150
• Main Authors: Harvey, William J, Reid, Greg, Bloom, Gordon A, Staples, Kerri, Grizenko, Natalie, Mbekou, Valentin, Ter-Stepanian, Marina, Joober, Ridha
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Human Kinetics, Inc 01-04-2009
• Subjects: Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - psychology; Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; Canada; Child; Child Behavior - psychology; Comparative Analysis; Foreign Countries; Humans; Intervention; Interviews; Interviews as Topic; Male; Males; Motor Activity - physiology; Motor Development; Motor Skills - physiology; Negative Attitudes; Physical Activities; Play and Playthings; Psychomotor Skills; Canada
• ISSN: 0736-5829
• DOI: 10.1123/apaq.26.2.131

Physical activity experiences of 12 age-matched boys with and without attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were explored by converging information from Test of Gross Motor Development-2 assessments and semistructured interviews. The knowledge-based approach and the inhibitory model of executive functions, a combined theoretical lens, enabled the description of similarities and differences in experiences that emerged during interviews. Skill assessments indicated boys with ADHD were not as proficient movers as their peers without ADHD. Thematic analysis revealed that boys with ADHD reported playing with friends, paid little attention to detail, possessed superficial knowledge about movement skills, and expressed many negative feelings about physical activity. Task-specific interventions and a wider range of mixed methods research are recommended for future research studies in ADHD. (Contains 2 tables.)