Exploring the impact of different types of exercise on working memory in children with ADHD: a network meta-analysis
BackgroundAttention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children, often accompanied by working memory deficits. Recently, exercise interventions have gained attention as a potential strategy to improve cognitive function in children with ADHD. However, th...
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Psychology |
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1522944/full |
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| author | Xiangqin Song Yaoqi Hou Wenying Shi Yan Wang Feifan Fan Liu Hong |
| author_facet | Xiangqin Song Yaoqi Hou Wenying Shi Yan Wang Feifan Fan Liu Hong |
| author_sort | Xiangqin Song |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | BackgroundAttention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children, often accompanied by working memory deficits. Recently, exercise interventions have gained attention as a potential strategy to improve cognitive function in children with ADHD. However, the effects of different types of exercise on working memory remain unclear. This study aimed to assess the effects of various exercise interventions on working memory in children with ADHD using a network meta-analysis.MethodsA comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Web of Science databases for relevant studies. After screening according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 17 eligible studies were identified for analysis. A network meta-analysis was performed to integrate data and evaluate the effects of cognitive-aerobic exercise, ball games, mind-body exercises, interactive games, and general aerobic exercise on working memory in children with ADHD.ResultsThe results indicated significant differences in the effectiveness of various types of exercise interventions on working memory in children with ADHD. Cognitive-aerobic exercise showed the most significant effect (SMD = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.44–1.00), followed by ball games (SMD = 0.61, 95% CI: −0.12–1.35). Mind-body exercises and interactive games had moderate effects (SMD = 0.50 and 0.37, respectively), while general aerobic exercise showed relatively small effects (SMD = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.19–0.60). SUCRA analysis further confirmed the highest preference for cognitive-aerobic exercise in improving working memory. Meta-regression analysis showed that intervention frequency and total intervention duration significantly affected the effectiveness of cognitive-aerobic exercise, while other variables did not significantly moderate the effects.ConclusionCognitive-aerobic exercise had the most significant effect on improving working memory in children with ADHD. Higher intervention frequency and longer intervention duration may enhance its effects. Future research should explore the impact of these factors and consider increasing sample sizes to validate the role of these moderators.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=627915. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-e0dc9e9ecc6d47f6905d95c3981c4e3e |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1664-1078 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Frontiers in Psychology |
| spelling | doaj-art-e0dc9e9ecc6d47f6905d95c3981c4e3e2025-01-27T06:40:10ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Psychology1664-10782025-01-011610.3389/fpsyg.2025.15229441522944Exploring the impact of different types of exercise on working memory in children with ADHD: a network meta-analysisXiangqin SongYaoqi HouWenying ShiYan WangFeifan FanLiu HongBackgroundAttention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children, often accompanied by working memory deficits. Recently, exercise interventions have gained attention as a potential strategy to improve cognitive function in children with ADHD. However, the effects of different types of exercise on working memory remain unclear. This study aimed to assess the effects of various exercise interventions on working memory in children with ADHD using a network meta-analysis.MethodsA comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Web of Science databases for relevant studies. After screening according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 17 eligible studies were identified for analysis. A network meta-analysis was performed to integrate data and evaluate the effects of cognitive-aerobic exercise, ball games, mind-body exercises, interactive games, and general aerobic exercise on working memory in children with ADHD.ResultsThe results indicated significant differences in the effectiveness of various types of exercise interventions on working memory in children with ADHD. Cognitive-aerobic exercise showed the most significant effect (SMD = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.44–1.00), followed by ball games (SMD = 0.61, 95% CI: −0.12–1.35). Mind-body exercises and interactive games had moderate effects (SMD = 0.50 and 0.37, respectively), while general aerobic exercise showed relatively small effects (SMD = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.19–0.60). SUCRA analysis further confirmed the highest preference for cognitive-aerobic exercise in improving working memory. Meta-regression analysis showed that intervention frequency and total intervention duration significantly affected the effectiveness of cognitive-aerobic exercise, while other variables did not significantly moderate the effects.ConclusionCognitive-aerobic exercise had the most significant effect on improving working memory in children with ADHD. Higher intervention frequency and longer intervention duration may enhance its effects. Future research should explore the impact of these factors and consider increasing sample sizes to validate the role of these moderators.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=627915.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1522944/fullphysical activityworking memorychildrenattention deficit hyperactivity disordernetwork meta-analysis |
| spellingShingle | Xiangqin Song Yaoqi Hou Wenying Shi Yan Wang Feifan Fan Liu Hong Exploring the impact of different types of exercise on working memory in children with ADHD: a network meta-analysis Frontiers in Psychology physical activity working memory children attention deficit hyperactivity disorder network meta-analysis |
| title | Exploring the impact of different types of exercise on working memory in children with ADHD: a network meta-analysis |
| title_full | Exploring the impact of different types of exercise on working memory in children with ADHD: a network meta-analysis |
| title_fullStr | Exploring the impact of different types of exercise on working memory in children with ADHD: a network meta-analysis |
| title_full_unstemmed | Exploring the impact of different types of exercise on working memory in children with ADHD: a network meta-analysis |
| title_short | Exploring the impact of different types of exercise on working memory in children with ADHD: a network meta-analysis |
| title_sort | exploring the impact of different types of exercise on working memory in children with adhd a network meta analysis |
| topic | physical activity working memory children attention deficit hyperactivity disorder network meta-analysis |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1522944/full |
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