ADHD Effects Lessened When Kids Walk To School

Want to lower your child’s problems associated with ADHD? A new study suggests that the effects of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder can be lessened by simply having children walk to school.

Researchers examined more than 2,500 children who were asked to walk to school and then report the benefits they felt from their walk.

According to the study eight out of 10 children felt calmer and better able to concentrate thanks to their quick jaunt to school. The same number of kids said they felt healthier and looked better.

The study specifically focused on seventh and eight grade students located in the UK.

While not a definitive answer to ADHD Dr. William Bird, founder of Health IT company Intelligent Health, says the results are “too strong to ignore.”

Researchers did not attempt to collect data about how many of the children who walked to school have ADHD. However they note that the results showcase “two aspects of ADHD which seem to be improved by outdoor exercise.”

According to the study:

“Physical activity improves brain elasticity, which allows children to learn, and there is evidence that contact with the natural environment has a calming affect on children. Exercise also releases endorphins, which make you more relaxed.”

Children with ADHD tend to have an overabundance of energy and a walk to school to calm some of that energy definitely makes sense on the surface.

Some experts stand behind the study while others believe a simple walk to school is very unlikely to have a big effect on children with ADHD.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the most common behavioral problem in children. ADHD drugs are typically chosen by parents in place of non-drug based behavioral intervention which have also proven successful.

Do you think giving kids with ADHD more exercise is a good way to help out with their hyperactivity?