A groundbreaking research study from Taiwan reveals that just 30 minutes of aerobic exercise can enhance cognitive performance in adults with Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The findings, published in Psychiatry Research, highlight how physical activity affects brain function differently in individuals with ADHD compared to those without the condition.
The research team, led by Hsiao-I Kuo at the National Taiwan University Hospital, studied 52 young adults - half with ADHD and half without. Participants completed 30-minute sessions on stationary bikes, maintaining their target heart rates for 20 minutes between warm-up and cool-down periods.
Using specialized brain monitoring techniques, researchers discovered that aerobic exercise produced opposite effects in the two groups. In ADHD participants, the exercise enhanced short intracortical inhibition - a brain process that helps regulate motor control. Conversely, healthy participants showed decreased inhibition levels after the same workout.
The ADHD group demonstrated notable improvements in both inhibitory control and motor learning following exercise. These cognitive gains were directly linked to changes in brain activity patterns.
"The results show that aerobic exercise affects brain physiology differently in people with ADHD compared to those without the condition," explains Dr. Kuo. "This suggests that exercise could be a valuable tool for managing ADHD symptoms."
This research offers new insights into how exercise might help adults manage ADHD symptoms through its effects on brain function. However, the researchers note that their study focused on young adults, and broader research would be needed to confirm these benefits across different age groups.
The findings add to growing evidence supporting exercise as a potential complementary approach for ADHD management, offering hope for those seeking natural ways to improve their cognitive function.