Impact of Structured Exercise Programs on Cognitive, Motor and Behavioral Outcomes in Children With ADHD

NCT07376863 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: 127/64
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 51
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of structured exercise interventions (Gince Zumba and Square Stepping) on cognitive, motor and behavioral functions of children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Specifically, this study aims to:

• compare the effects of Gince Zumba and Square Stepping on motor perfoemance, including coordination and reaction time.
• examine changes in cognitive functions, particularly attention and memory functions following each exercise intervention.
• evaluate the impact of both exercise programs on behavioral symptoms and social adaptation as reported by parents
• determine whether rhytm-based exercise (Gince Zumba) or cognitively demanding stepping exercise (Square Stepping) is more effective in imroving functional outcomes in children with ADHD. Based on these aims, the study was conducted as follows:
• Eligible participants were randomly assigned to one of the three intervention groups ( square stepping group, gince zumba group, control group)
• All participants underwent baseline assessments prior to the interventions
• Participants in the intervention groups performed assigned activities for eight weeks, while the control group did not engage in regular physical activity during the same period.
• Following the completion of the interventions, all participants underwent post-intervention assessments

Conditions

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Stroop Color Test Completion Time

  The Stroop Color Test is a neuropsychological assessment used to evaluate selective attention, cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control. In this study, the primary outcome is the total time required to complete the interference condition of the Stroop task, measured in seconds. Shorter completion time indicates better attentional control and executive functioning. Measurements will be obtained before and after the 8-week exercise intervention.

  Baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention

• Visual-Auditory Digit Span Test Total Score

  The Visual-Auditory Digit Span Test (VADST) is a neuropsychological assessment used to evaluate short-term memory and working memory through auditory and visual digit recall tasks. The primary outcome measure is the total test score, expressed in points, obtained from correct responses across all subtests. Higher total scores indicate better memory performance and cognitive processing capacity. The assessment will be administered at baseline and after the 8-week intervention period.

  Baseline and after 8 weeks

Secondary Outcomes (4)

• Blaze Pod Reaction Time Score

  Baseline and after 8 weeks

• Blaze Pod Number of Hits

  Baseline and after 8 weeks

• Blaze Pod Total Number of Errors

  Baseline and after 8 weeks

• Conners Parent Rating Scale Total Score

  Baseline and after 8 weeks

Study Arms (3)

Gince Zumba Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this arm received the Gince Zumba exercise program conducted two times per week for eight weeks

Other: Gince Zumba Exercise

Square Stepping Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this arm received the Square Stepping exercise program conducted two times per week for eight weeks

Other: Square Stepping Exercise

Control Group

NO INTERVENTION

Participants in this arm received no regular physical activity for eight weeks

Interventions

Gince Zumba Exercise OTHER

The Gince Zumba interventions consisted of rhythm-based aerobic exercises , requiring cognitive engagement through attention, coordination, and sequencing of movements, and aiming to support cognitive functions."

Also known as: Gince Zumba Exercises

Gince Zumba Group

Square Stepping Exercise OTHER

The Square Stepping Exercise intervention consisted of step patterns performed on a gridded mat in group sessions,, requiring cognitive engagement through visuospatial processing, attention, working memory, and sequencing of movement patterns, and aiming to support cognitive functions."

Square Stepping Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 8 Years - 12 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Child (0-17)

You may qualify if:

• Ability to read and understand Turkish language
• Use of psychostimulant medication for at least 2 months prior to enrollment

You may not qualify if:

• Diagnosis of intellectual disability
• Comorbidity of medical or psychiatric
• Inability to participate in physical activity

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Cukurova University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Cukurova University, Faculty of Medicine

Adana, 01170, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders; Neurodevelopmental Disorders; Mental Disorders

Study Officials

• Gonca İnce, Prof.

  Cukurova University

  STUDY CHAIR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Masking Details: This was a single-blind study in which outcome assessors were blinded to group allocation
• Purpose: SUPPORTIVE CARE
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Principal Investigator

Model Details: There are 3 groups involved in the study. Each of two of the groups joined two different kinds of exercise interventions, and the control group didnt involve any regular physical activity.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: January 2, 2026
• First Posted: January 29, 2026
• Study Start: February 12, 2024
• Primary Completion: March 15, 2025
• Study Completion: May 29, 2025
• Last Updated: January 29, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-01

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will share
• Shared Documents: STUDY PROTOCOL
• Time Frame: Beginning after publication of the primary results
• Access Criteria: Data access will be provided upon reasonable request, subject to ethical approval and a data use agreement

Locations

TU (1)