The influence of chronic exercise intervention on the executive function of children with neurodevelopmental disorders: a meta-analysis - Report - MDSpire
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The influence of chronic exercise intervention on the executive function of children with neurodevelopmental disorders: a meta-analysis
Clinical Report: The impact of long-term exercise programs on executive functioning in children with neurodevelopmental disorders
Overview
This meta-analysis evaluates the effects of chronic exercise interventions on executive function in children with neurodevelopmental disorders, primarily ADHD and ASD. The results indicate a moderate overall improvement in executive function, particularly in inhibitory control and working memory, based on the pooled data from the included studies.
Background
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) such as ADHD and ASD significantly affect children's cognitive and social functioning. This study focuses on chronic exercise as a potential non-pharmacological intervention to support these children.
Data Highlights
Outcome
Effect Size
Inhibitory Control
Moderate Improvement
Working Memory
Small but Significant Improvement
Cognitive Flexibility
Small but Statistically Significant Benefit
Key Findings
Chronic exercise produced a moderate overall improvement in executive function based on the meta-analysis results.
The largest effect was observed for inhibitory control, followed by a smaller but significant improvement in working memory.
Cognitive flexibility showed a small but statistically significant benefit.
Effects varied based on exercise type, duration, intensity, and diagnostic subtype.
Closed-skill exercise produced more stable benefits for inhibitory control and working memory.
Longer interventions were more favorable for improving inhibitory control.
Clinical Implications
The study findings indicate that chronic exercise may improve executive function in children with ADHD and ASD. Further research is needed to explore the optimal conditions for these interventions.
Conclusion
The findings from the meta-analysis indicate that tailored chronic exercise interventions can enhance executive function in children with neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly ADHD and ASD.
