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[A case-control study on balance function of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) children]
Juan Wang1, Yufeng Wang, Yuanchun Ren
1Mental Health Institute, Peking University, Beijing 100083, China.
Summary
Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) exhibit poorer balance and sensory integration compared to controls. This balance dysfunction is linked to behavioral and cognitive deficits.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Biomechanics
Context:
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder.
- Balance and sensory integration are crucial for motor control and cognitive function.
- Previous research has indicated motor difficulties in children with ADHD, but specific balance characteristics require further elucidation.
Purpose:
- To investigate the balance function in children diagnosed with ADHD.
- To compare the balance performance of ADHD children with that of non-ADHD controls.
- To explore the relationship between balance deficits and clinical symptoms in ADHD.
Summary:
- This study evaluated the postural stability of 80 children with ADHD and 80 controls using the Balance Master system.
- ADHD children demonstrated significantly higher sway velocity across various conditions, including firm and foam surfaces with eyes open and closed, and unilateral stances.
- Correlations were found between sway velocity, sensory integration (vestibular and somatosensory), cognitive factors (performance IQ, verbal comprehension, freedom from distractibility), and hyperactivity.
Impact:
- ADHD is associated with impaired balance, abnormal sensory integration, and deficits in visual, somatosensory, and vestibular functions.
- These findings highlight a link between balance dysfunction and the behavioral and cognitive symptoms characteristic of ADHD.
- This research underscores the importance of assessing and addressing motor and sensory integration issues in the comprehensive management of ADHD.