Highly structured exercise that challenges brain and body has a greater positive impact on those with ADHD than aerobic exercise alone.
One small study, at Hofstra University, found that boys age eight to 11 who participated in martial arts twice a week improved their behavior and performance on a number of measures, compared to those on a typical aerobic exercise program (both kinds of exercise led to dramatic improvement over nonactive controls).
The kids involved in martial arts finished more of their homework, were better prepared for class, improved their grades, broke fewer rules, and jumped out of their seats less often. In short, they were better able to stay on task.
