[Comparison of postural control between normal and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder boys]

Area of Science:

• Developmental neuroscience
• Pediatric motor control
• Clinical psychology

Context:

• Postural control is crucial for daily activities and develops throughout childhood.
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with various neurodevelopmental challenges.
• Understanding developmental trajectories of postural control in ADHD is important for targeted interventions.

Purpose:

• To investigate and compare postural control development between boys with ADHD and typically developing boys.
• To assess postural stability across different age groups (7-12 years) and sensory conditions.

Summary:

• A study involving 146 boys with ADHD and 84 typically developing boys (ages 7-12) assessed postural control using the Balance Master.
• Results indicated that children aged 11-12 years did not achieve adult-level postural control, suggesting incomplete sensory integration.
• Boys with ADHD exhibited significantly poorer postural control than their typically developing peers across various sensory conditions and age groups.

Impact:

• Findings highlight that 11-12 year olds may not fully utilize sensory information for balance, impacting functional abilities.
• This research underscores the motor control deficits in ADHD, suggesting potential implications for physical activity and risk of injury.
• The study provides valuable data for developing tailored physical and therapeutic interventions for children with ADHD.