IMPACTS OF SOCCER ON EXECUTIVE FUNCTION IN BOYS WITH ADHD

Abstract

Introduction: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological disorder of genetic causes that appears in childhood. The main manifestations are inattention, hyperactivity, and emotional impulsivity. It is often accompanied by cognitive impairments and learning disabilities that seriously affect children’s life, academic and social functions. Objective: Explore the impacts of soccer practice on executive function in boys with ADHD. Methods: Boys were selected from first and second graders in a public elementary school. They were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group, and 8 boys in the control group were recruited according to the age difference of less than half a year. All children participated in various school sports activities, and the experimental group was added to soccer practice for 6 weeks. Results: There was no significant difference in cognitive subfunction between the soccer activity group, the conventional physical education teaching activity group, and the control group; however, the interaction between time and group factors proved to be significant P (4142) = 6.296, F< 0.01, it can be understood that the effect of the time factor on cognitive flexibility varies with different groups. Conclusion: The six-week soccer practice intervention can improve the executive function of 6-8-year-old boys with ADHD, especially inhibition control and cognitive flexibility, but does not represent a significant effect on memory. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies-investigating treatment outcomes.