Dose-Response Effects of Acute Aerobic Exercise Intensity on Inhibitory Control in Children With Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

The present study aimed to examine whether the effect of acute aerobic exercise on inhibitory control of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is moderated by exercise intensity. Using a within-subjects design, 25 children with ADHD completed a flanker task with concurrent collection of electroencephalography (EEG) data after three different intensities of treadmill running. The results showed that low- and moderate-intensity exercises resulted in shorter reaction times (RTs) relative to vigorous-intensity exercise during the incompatible condition of the flanker task regardless of task congruency. A P3 congruency effect was observed following low- and vigorous-intensity exercises but not after moderate-intensity exercise. The mean alpha power, a measure of cortical arousal, increased following low- and moderate-intensity exercises but decreased following vigorous-intensity exercise. In addition, the change in arousal level after moderate-intensity exercise was negatively correlated with RT during incompatible flanker tasks. The current findings suggest that children with ADHD have better inhibitory control following both low- and moderate-intensity exercises relative to vigorous aerobic exercise, which could be characterized by an optimal state of cortical arousal.

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The effects of acute aerobic exercise on inhibitory control and resting state heart rate variability in children with ADHD

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-020-76859-9 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Chien-Lin Yu ◽

Shu-Shih Hsieh ◽

Ting-Yu Chueh ◽

Chung-Ju Huang ◽

Charles H. Hillman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Rate ◽

Heart Rate Variability ◽

Aerobic Exercise ◽

Inhibitory Control ◽

Resting State ◽

Task Difficulty ◽

Flanker Task ◽

Moderate Intensity ◽

Sympathovagal Balance ◽

Children With Adhd

AbstractThe current study examined the effects of acute moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (MAE) on inhibitory control and resting-state heart rate variability (HRV) in children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Our data show that acute MAE resulted in higher response accuracy of a modified flanker task regardless of task difficulty for 60 min (p = .001). Aerobic exercise further resulted in more effective conflict detection, as measured by greater amplitude (p = .012) and shorter latency (p = .029) of the N2 component of event-related brain potential, for 60 min regardless of task difficulty. In contrast, acute MAE did not modulate sympathovagal balance signified by HRV at either 30 min or 60 min following exercise cessation. Collectively, our findings suggest that the beneficial effects of acute aerobic exercise on inhibitory control are sustained for 60 min in children with ADHD. However, acute aerobic exercise may not modulate sympathovagal balance during the post-exercise recovery. Overall, we highlight the importance of acute aerobic exercise for children with ADHD as a potential means to facilitate brain health.

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C-43 The Relation Between Executive Functioning and Fluid Reasoning Performance in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology ◽

10.1093/arclin/acz034.205 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 34 (6) ◽

pp. 1072-1072

Author(s):

N Coultis ◽

A Brown ◽

E Heideman

Keyword(s):

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽

Executive Functioning ◽

Inhibitory Control ◽

Attention Deficit ◽

Performance Test ◽

Word Identification ◽

Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽

Children With Adhd ◽

Hyperactivity Disorder ◽

Fluid Reasoning

Abstract Objective Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects about 5% of school-aged children.4 Fluid reasoning (FR) tasks assess one’s ability to detect underlying conceptual relationships and use reasoning to identify and apply rules to problem solve.4 Previous research has demonstrated that children with ADHD perform more poorly in FR, though the mechanism behind this is unclear.3,4 The literature suggests that FR is reliant on executive functioning skills such as inhibitory control, working memory, and planning.1,4 Therefore, this study examines how performance on FR from the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V) is related to measures of executive functioning (EF) and attention in children with ADHD. Method Participants were children aged 8 to 16-years with ADHD (N = 75) referred for neuropsychological testing. Participant demographics: males (N = 50, 65.8%), females (N = 26, 34.2%); African American (5.3%), Asian (1.3%), Caucasian (52.6%), Other (39.5%). Measures included the WISC-V Fluid Reasoning Index (FRI), Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (DKEFS) Color Word Identification (CWI) and Tower subtests, omissions/commissions on the Conners Continuous Performance Test (CPT), and Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning (BRIEF) subscales. Results Bivariate correlations showed that the FRI was only significantly positively correlated with CWI Inhibition/Switching Time (r = .246, p = .047). Commission errors on the CPT approached significance (r = .217, p = .145). Conclusion The WISC-V FRI may be vulnerable to weaknesses in EF or behavioral control in children with ADHD and should be interpreted in that context. Findings suggest the FRI may be particularly impacted by weaknesses in inhibitory control.

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Resting Theta/Beta Ratios Mediate the Relationship Between Motor Competence and Inhibition in Children With Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Frontiers in Psychology ◽

10.3389/fpsyg.2021.649154 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Chi-Fang Lin ◽

Chung-Ju Huang ◽

Yu-Jung Tsai ◽

Ting-Yu Chueh ◽

Chiao-Ling Hung ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽

Attention Deficit ◽

Indirect Effect ◽

Flanker Task ◽

Motor Ability ◽

Motor Competence ◽

Children With Adhd ◽

Hyperactivity Disorder ◽

Inhibitory Function ◽

The Relationship

Despite that previous studies have supported relationships between motor ability and inhibitory function, and between resting brain theta/beta power ratios (TBR) and inhibition in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), little research has examined the mechanism within these relationships. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether TBR would mediate the relationship between motor ability and inhibitory function. A total of 71 children with ADHD were recorded resting electroencephalographic (EEG) data during eyes-open. Motor abilities were evaluated by Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2) and inhibitory ability were assessed by a modified Eriksen’s flanker task. The results of mediation analyses revealed that TBR could completely mediate the relationship between motor competence and response speed (indirect effect = −0.0004, 95% CI [−0.0010, −0.0001]) and accuracy (indirect effect = 0.0003, 95% CI [0.0000, 0.0010]) in the incongruent condition of the flanker task. This study suggests that TBR may be one of the mechanisms between motor ability and inhibition function in children with ADHD.

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The Impact of an Adapted Climbing Program on Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

International Journal of Physical Education Fitness and Sports ◽

10.34256/ijpefs2047 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (4) ◽

pp. 60-69

Author(s):

Erin Angelini ◽

Kathryn N Oriel ◽

Greta M Myers ◽

Kyle D.A. Cook ◽

Ross M Drawbaugh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽

Attention Deficit ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Route Planning ◽

Rock Climbing ◽

Moderate Intensity ◽

Parent Rating ◽

Children With Adhd ◽

Hyperactivity Disorder ◽

The Impact

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder impacts children’s participation in activities that require attention to instruction, sustained mental effort, and executive functioning. Physical activity has been correlated to improvement in attention in children with ADHD. Rock climbing challenges muscular endurance, attention, and route planning. Five participants, aged 8-13, participated in the climbing program. Attention was measured pre and post climbing intervention with Trail Making Test B (TMT-B) for time to complete. Exercise intensity was measured by heart rate. Parent feedback on behavior was collected with the Conner’s Parent Rating Scale (CPRS). The social validity of the intervention was measured by the IRP-15 measures. Statistically, significant intrasession attention improvements were noted in all 5 climbers (p=.43). Two climbers were consistently working at a moderate intensity (40-60% HRmax) while 3 climbers maintained a light level of intensity (20-40% HRmax). No statistically significant improvements were found on the CPRS, although improvements are noted with qualitative reports from parents. The IRP-15 showed 100% of parents believed rock climbing was an effective intervention for their children with ADHD. Rock climbing at a light to moderate intensity is associated with improvements in attention and behavior in children with ADHD.

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Computer-based inhibitory control training in children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Evidence for behavioral and neural impact

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0241352 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 (11) ◽

pp. e0241352

Author(s):

Kristin N. Meyer ◽

Rosario Santillana ◽

Brian Miller ◽

Wes Clapp ◽

Marcus Way ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽

Inhibitory Control ◽

Attention Deficit ◽

Psychological Disorder ◽

Stop Signal Task ◽

Control Group ◽

Children With Adhd ◽

Theta Power ◽

Hyperactivity Disorder ◽

Computerized Training

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly diagnosed psychological disorder of childhood. Medication and cognitive behavioral therapy are effective treatments for many children; however, adherence to medication and therapy regimens is low. Thus, identifying effective adjunct treatments is imperative. Previous studies exploring computerized training programs as supplementary treatments have targeted working memory or attention. However, many lines of research suggest inhibitory control (IC) plays a central role in ADHD pathophysiology, which makes IC a potential intervention target. In this randomized control trial (NCT03363568), we target IC using a modified stop-signal task (SST) training designed by NeuroScouting, LLC in 40 children with ADHD, aged 8 to 11 years. Children were randomly assigned to adaptive treatment (n = 20) or non-adaptive control (n = 20) with identical stimuli and task goals. Children trained at home for at least 5 days a week (about 15m/day) for 4-weeks. Relative to the control group, the treatment group showed decreased relative theta power in resting EEG and trending improvements in parent ratings of attention (i.e. decreases in inattentive behaviors). Both groups showed improved SST performance. There was not evidence for treatment effects on hyperactivity or teacher ratings of symptoms. Results suggest training IC alone has potential to positively impact symptoms of ADHD and provide evidence for neural underpinnings of this impact (change in theta power; change in N200 latency). This shows promising initial results for the use of computerized training of IC in children with ADHD as a potential adjunct treatment option for children with ADHD.

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Dose-related effect of methylphenidate on stopping and changing in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2005.04.003 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 21 (8) ◽

pp. 544-547 ◽

Cited By ~ 26

Author(s):

Marijn Lijffijt ◽

J. Leon Kenemans ◽

Annemiek ter Wal ◽

Elise H. Quik ◽

C. Kemner ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽

Inhibitory Control ◽

Attention Deficit ◽

Task Difficulty ◽

Linear Trend ◽

Control Measures ◽

Children With Adhd ◽

Hyperactivity Disorder ◽

Subject Design ◽

Change Task

AbstractPurposeThe effect of methylphenidate (MPH) on inhibitory control as assessed by the stop task in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) could be influenced by task difficulty and may be mediated by attention.Subjects and methodsFifteen children with ADHD performed the stop and the change task after placebo, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg MPH in a within-subject design.ResultsLinear-trend analysis showed a similar effect of MPH in both tasks and a stronger effect for inhibitory control than for attention. Furthermore, a correlation was found between blood serum metabolites of norepinephrine and dopamine for attentional measures and inhibitory control measures, respectively.Discussion and conclusionIn children with ADHD MPH could act primarily on inhibitory control, and is not influenced by task difficulty. Also, attention and inhibitory control could have differential pharmacological profiles.

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Investigating cortical buffering effects of acute moderate and light intensity exercise: a cTBS study targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex

10.1101/2020.09.14.297010 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Felicia Manocchio ◽

Cassandra J. Lowe ◽

Peter A. Hall

Keyword(s):

Prefrontal Cortex ◽

Light Intensity ◽

Aerobic Exercise ◽

Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex ◽

Flanker Task ◽

Moderate Intensity ◽

Single Session ◽

Moderate Intensity Exercise ◽

Dorsolateral Prefrontal ◽

Intensity Condition

AbstractBackgroundThe beneficial effects of both single-session bouts of aerobic exercise and therapeutic exercise interventions on the cortical regions associated with executive functions (i.e., prefrontal cortex (PFC)) have been well documented. However, it remains unclear whether aerobic exercise can be used to offset temporary fluctuations in cortical activity.ObjectiveThe current study sought to determine whether a single session of moderate intensity aerobic exercise can offset the attenuating effects of continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC).MethodsTwenty-two right-handed participants between 18-30 years completed a 20 minute session of light intensity (10% heart rate reserve (HRR)) and moderate intensity (50% HRR) exercise in a counterbalanced order. Following each exercise session, participants received active cTBS to the left dlPFC. Changes in executive functions were quantified using a flanker paradigm employed at baseline, post-exercise and post-cTBS time points. Additionally, EEG methodologies were used to measure changes in inhibitory control specific event-related potential components (i.e., P3 and N2) in response to the flanker task.ResultsBehavioural results from the flanker task revealed a significant improvement in task performance following an acute bout of moderate intensity exercise. Furthermore, the effect of cTBS in both light and moderate intensity conditions were non significant Similarly, EEG data from P3 and N2 ERP components revealed no changes to amplitude across time and condition. P3 latency data revealed a significant effect of time in the light intensity condition, such that latency was faster following cTBS. Similarly, latency data within the N2 ERP component revealed a significant effect of time on congruent trials in the light intensity condition; N2 latency was faster following cTBS.ConclusionThe current study revealed that light and moderate intensity exercise may provide a buffer to cTBS-induced attenuation of the dlPFC. This study provides empirical and theoretical implications on the potential for exercise to promote cognitive control.

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Investigating Cortical Buffering Effects of Acute Moderate Intensity Exercise: A cTBS Study Targeting the Left Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex

Frontiers in Human Neuroscience ◽

10.3389/fnhum.2021.645326 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 ◽

Author(s):

Felicia Manocchio ◽

Cassandra J. Lowe

Keyword(s):

Prefrontal Cortex ◽

Aerobic Exercise ◽

Attentional Control ◽

Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex ◽

Flanker Task ◽

Moderate Intensity ◽

Single Session ◽

Moderate Intensity Exercise ◽

Time Points ◽

Dorsolateral Prefrontal

Background: The beneficial effects of both single-session bouts of aerobic exercise and therapeutic exercise interventions on the cortical regions associated with top-down attentional control [i.e., prefrontal cortex (PFC)] have been well documented. However, it remains unclear whether aerobic exercise can be used to buffer against suppressive influences on the dorsolateral PFC (dlPFC).Objective: The current study sought to determine whether a single session of moderate intensity aerobic exercise can offset the expected suppressive effects of continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC).Methods: Twenty-two right-handed participants (aged 19–30) completed a 20-minute movement-only control session [10% heart rate reserve (HRR)] and moderate intensity (50% HRR) exercise in a counterbalanced order. Following each exercise session, participants received active cTBS to the left dlPFC. Changes in executive functions were quantified using a Flanker paradigm employed at baseline, post-exercise and post-cTBS time points. Additionally, EEG was used to measure changes in event-related potential components related to inhibitory control (i.e., N2) and attentional control (i.e., P3) during the flanker task.Results: Behavioral results from the flanker task revealed a significant improvement in task performance following an acute bout of moderate intensity exercise. Furthermore, the effect of cTBS in both the movement-only control and moderate intensity conditions were non-significant. Similarly, EEG data from P3b and N2 ERP components revealed no changes to amplitude across time and condition. P3b latency data revealed a significant effect of time in both the moderate intensity and movement-only conditions, such that P3b latencies were significantly shorter across time points. Latency data within the N2 ERP component revealed no significant interactions or main effects.Conclusion: The findings of the current study provide tentative support for the hypothesis that both moderate and light intensity exercise promote cortical buffering against the suppressive effects of cTBS targeting the dlPFC. However, in the absence of a no-movement control, a lack of expected suppressive effects of cTBS cannot be ruled out.

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The impact of exercise intensity on neurophysiological indices of food-related inhibitory control and cognitive control: A randomized crossover event-related potential (ERP) study

10.1101/2020.11.10.377267 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Bruce W. Bailey ◽

Alexandra M. Muir ◽

Ciera L. Bartholomew ◽

William F. Christensen ◽

Kaylie A. Carbine ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Control ◽

Inhibitory Control ◽

Exercise Intensity ◽

Flanker Task ◽

Event Related Potential ◽

Moderate Intensity ◽

Moderate Exercise ◽

Moderate Intensity Exercise ◽

Vigorous Exercise ◽

The Impact

AbstractFood-related inhibitory control, the ability to withhold a dominant response towards highly palatable foods, influences dietary decisions. Food-related inhibitory control abilities may increase following a bout of aerobic exercise; however, the impact of exercise intensity on both food-related inhibitory control and broader cognitive control processes is currently unclear. We used a high-powered, within-subjects, crossover design to test how relative intensity of aerobic exercise influenced behavioral (response time, accuracy) and neural (N2 and P3 components of the scalp-recorded event-related potential [ERP]) measures of food-related inhibitory and cognitive control. Two hundred and thirteen participants completed three separate conditions separated by approximately one week in randomized order: two exercise conditions (35% [moderate] or 70% [vigorous] of VO2max) and seated rest. Directly following exercise or rest, participants completed a food-based go/no-go task and a flanker task while electroencephalogram data were recorded. Linear mixed models showed generally faster response times (RT) and improved accuracy following vigorous exercise compared to rest, but not moderate-intensity exercise; RTs and accuracy did not differ between moderate intensity exercise and rest conditions. N2 and P3 amplitudes were larger following vigorous exercise for the food-based go/no-go task compared to rest and moderate intensity exercise. There were no differences between exercise conditions for N2 amplitude during the flanker task; however, P3 amplitude was more positive following vigorous compared to rest, but not moderate exercise. Gender did not moderate exercise outcomes. Results suggest improved and more efficient food- related recruitment of later inhibitory control and cognitive control processes following vigorous exercise.

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Physical Fitness and Resting EEG in Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Journal of Psychophysiology ◽

10.1027/0269-8803/a000131 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 29 (1) ◽

pp. 26-32 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Ching-Wen Huang ◽

Chung-Ju Huang ◽

Chiao-Ling Hung ◽

Chia-Hao Shih ◽

Tsung-Min Hung

Keyword(s):

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽

Physical Fitness ◽

Attention Deficit ◽

Resting State ◽

Self Control ◽

Children With Adhd ◽

Hyperactivity Disorder ◽

Higher Power ◽

Eyes Open ◽

The Relationship

Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are characterized by a deviant pattern of brain oscillations during resting state, particularly elevated theta power and increased theta/alpha and theta/beta ratios that are related to cognitive functioning. Physical fitness has been found beneficial to cognitive performance in a wide age population. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between physical fitness and resting-state electroencephalographic (EEG) oscillations in children with ADHD. EEG was recorded during eyes-open resting for 28 children (23 boys and 5 girls, 8.66 ± 1.10 years) with ADHD, and a battery of physical fitness assessments including flexibility, muscular endurance, power, and agility tests were administered. The results indicated that ADHD children with higher power fitness exhibited a smaller theta/alpha ratio than those with lower power fitness. These findings suggest that power fitness may be associated with improved attentional self-control in children with ADHD.

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