ABSTRACT
(1) Background: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common mental disorder affecting 5-7% of school-aged children. Previous studies have looked at the effects of physical activity interventions on the symptoms of ADHD, although few have compared the motor behavior of children with ADHD versus those without. This exploratory study provides detailed information on the patterns and intensity of physical activity and sedentary behavior in children with ADHD as measured by Actigraph GT3X accelerometry, as well as the differences in physical activity in the different presentations of ADHD; (2) Methods: A cross-sectional design was used with a sample of 75 children, aged 6 to 12 years, with and without ADHD. The ADHD group had a previous diagnosis, determined by clinical assessment based on DSM-5 criteria; (3) Results: Physical activity levels were higher in children with ADHD compared to children without ADHD, but there was no difference in sedentary time between groups during weekdays or weekends. Physical activity decreased with age, with significant differences in the ADHD group, who exhibited more minutes of moderate Physical activity in 6-7 year-olds than 10-11 year-olds during weekdays and weekends; (4) Conclusions: Sedentary time increased by age in children without ADHD, and there was a decrease in moderate-intensity physical activity time in children with ADHD by age.
ABSTRACT
Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is commonly associated with disordered or disturbed sleep and the association of sleep problems with ADHD is complex and multidirectional. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between sleep and academic performance, comparing children with ADHD and a control group without ADHD. Academic performance in Spanish, mathematics, and a foreign language (English) was evaluated. Different presentations of ADHD were considered as well as the potential difference between weekday and weekend sleep habits. The sample consisted of 75 children aged 6-12 in primary education. Accelerometry was used to study sleep, and school grades were used to gather information about academic performance. The results showed that ADHD influenced the amount of sleep during weekends, the time getting up at the weekends, weekday sleep efficiency, as well as academic performance. Given the effects that were seen in the variables linked to the weekend, it is necessary to consider a longitudinal design with which to determine if there is a cause and effect relationship.