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The effects of acute and chronic exercise on executive functions and core symptoms in adults with ADHD: A systematic
Shanshan Xu1, Caifeng Zhao1, Liang Hu2
1Department of Sports Science, College of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
Background:
The effectiveness of exercise on executive functions and core symptoms in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) remains unclear. This study aimed to synthesize existing evidence on the effects of both acute and chronic exercise on these outcomes.
Methods:
We systematically searched Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO from inception to April 18, 2025. Studies that implemented acute or chronic exercise interventions targeting either executive functions or core symptoms in adults with ADHD were included. Only parallel-group randomized controlled trials and crossover trials with non-exercise control conditions were eligible for meta-analysis.
Results:
Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria for systematic review, with eight studies included in the meta-analysis. Acute exercise interventions exerted a moderate positive effect on inhibitory control (Hedges' g = 0.55, 95% CI [0.32, 0.79], p < 0.001), and a small beneficial effect on core symptoms (Hedges' g = 0.23, 95% CI [0.03, 0.43], p = 0.024) in adults with ADHD. For chronic exercise interventions, qualitative synthesis of existing evidence suggested mixed results, which highlights the need for further research.
Conclusions:
This study provides preliminary evidence on the potential role of exercise as a nonpharmacological strategy for improving executive functions and core symptoms in adults with ADHD.
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