Subtle Motor Signs as a Biomarker for Mindful Movement Intervention in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Child Psychology
• Movement Science

Background:

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) research often relies on subjective measures.
• Objective biomarkers are needed to validate interventions for ADHD.
• Mindful movement interventions show potential but require objective outcome measures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement a mindful movement intervention for children with ADHD.
• To investigate the Physical and Neurological Examination for Subtle Signs (PANESS) as a predictive biomarker of treatment response.
• To assess the impact of mindful movement on ADHD symptoms and motor control.

Main Methods:

• An 8-week mindful movement program was administered to 34 children (ages 8-12) diagnosed with ADHD.
• Participants were assessed pre- and post-treatment for ADHD symptoms and motor control using the PANESS.
• Statistical analyses examined treatment effects and correlations between motor control and symptom changes.

Main Results:

• Significant reductions in PANESS scores (Gaits and Station, total overflow, total score) were observed post-treatment.
• Mindful movement led to significant decreases in ADHD symptoms (inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity), oppositional defiant disorder, and executive dysfunction.
• Changes in PANESS scores positively correlated with improvements in ADHD symptoms and predicted post-treatment severity.

Conclusions:

• Mindful movement treatment is effective for reducing ADHD symptoms in children.
• The PANESS is a promising candidate motor biomarker for evaluating mindful movement interventions in ADHD.
• Objective motor assessments can complement subjective reports in ADHD treatment research.