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Exercise before school may reduce ADHD symptoms in some kids

Steve Carmody
/
Michigan Radio

Moderate to vigorous exercise in the morning may help children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder be better prepared for the school day.  

Michigan State University researchers studied200 kindergarten, first and second grade students for 12 weeks. They found children at-risk for developing ADHD were more attentive in class after exercising.

Alan Smith is the chairperson of MSU’s Department of Kinesiology. He says the study suggests including more physical activity in schools could lessen the effects of ADHD in some children.

“This might suggest we want to rethink some of our policies that have moved physical activity and physical education out of the school day,” says Smith, though he adds more research is needed.

The study can be found in the Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology.

Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Public since 2005. Steve previously worked at public radio and television stations in Florida, Oklahoma and Kentucky, and also has extensive experience in commercial broadcasting.
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