EFECTO AGUDO DEL EJERCICIO FÍSICO SOBRE LA IMPULSIVIDAD Y ESTADO DE ANSIEDAD, EN ESCOLARES DE 6-12 AÑOS CON TRASTORNO POR DÉFICIT DE ATENCIÓN E HIPERACTIVIDAD: REVISIÓN SISTEMÁTICA

Abstract

Introduction: The objective of this review was to analyze the effect of physical exercise on behavior in schoolchildren (6-12 years old) with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Method: For this, a bibliographic search was made in three databases (initial search n = 92: PubMed n = 22, SportDiscus n = 63, Web of Science n = 7), from January 2000 to June 2017. Results: A total of three longitudinal studies with intervention met the inclusion criteria, assessed as high quality. All studies employed running for at least 25-30 minutes at moderate to vigorous intensity controlling heart rate and technique by specialists. All showed that exercise at the beginning of the class improves behavior in children diagnosed ADHD, in addition to other key variables for academic performance, such as attention and memory. Discussion: We can conclude that active displacement or previous intentional activation through a moderate to vigorous intensity run before the beginning of the school day improves the behavior of the students, a better classroom environment is achieved and conflicts are avoided. Further research is needed to clarify the potential key role of exercise intensity and duration, as well as the duration of these benefits.