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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Motor Impairment
Juliana B Goulardins1, Juliana C B Marques1, Jorge A De Oliveira1
11 Laboratory of Motor Behavior, School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Insights
Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often experience motor skill impairments. This review examines the link between ADHD, motor difficulties, and developmental coordination disorder (DCD) in children.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pediatrics
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common childhood neurobehavioral disorder affecting 3-6% of school-aged children.
- Motor skill problems are prevalent in children with ADHD, occurring in 30-50% and impacting daily life.
- The relationship between ADHD symptoms and motor impairments requires further clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review research on motor impairment in children with ADHD.
- To compare motor performance in children with and without ADHD.
- To explore potential neural underpinnings of motor difficulties in ADHD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on motor impairment in ADHD.
- Analysis of differences in motor performance between ADHD and control groups.
- Discussion of the comorbidity between ADHD and developmental coordination disorder (DCD).
Main Results:
- Children with ADHD exhibit notable differences in motor performance compared to age-matched controls.
- A high prevalence of motor problems exists in children with ADHD.
- The exact nature of motor difficulties in ADHD and their relationship with DCD remains unclear.
Conclusions:
- Motor impairments are a significant concern in children with ADHD.
- The overlap and distinction between ADHD and DCD require further research.
- Future research should focus on the consequences and treatment of motor impairment in ADHD.
Abstract:
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common neurobehavioral disorder during childhood, affecting approximately 3-6% of school-aged children; its cardinal symptoms of high activity, impulsivity, and behavioral distractibility might be assumed to have close relationships to interferences with motor skills. A separate body of literature attests to ways that motor problems can severely impact children's daily lives, as motor problems may occur in 30-50% of children with ADHD. This article critically reviews research on motor impairment in children with ADHD, notable differences in motor performance of individuals with ADHD compared with age-matched controls, and possible neural underpinnings of this impairment. We discuss the highly prevalent link between ADHD and developmental coordination disorder (DCD) and the lack of a clear research consensus about motor difficulties in ADHD. Despite increasing evidence and diagnostic classifications that define DCD by motor impairment, the role of ADHD symptoms in DCD has not been delineated. Similarly, while ADHD may predispose children to motor problems, it is unclear whether any such motor difficulties observed in this population are inherent to ADHD or are mediated by comorbid DCD. Future research should address the exact nature and long-term consequences of motor impairment in children with ADHD and elucidate effective treatment strategies for these disorders together and apart.