All participants in our research have the option of being sent the final report on any studies they contribute to. But we also want to make our work as openly available as possible so on this page you can find our latest research publications. These are typically in the form of links to the publishers but where possible we have also included a PDF:
The Effects of Different Exercise Approaches on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Adults: A Randomised Controlled Trial
In this study, we examined the effects of just 10 minutes of cycling or yoga on the symptoms of ADHD in healthy adults and those with a diagnosis. As expected those withA DHD moved more that those without but movement increased in healthy adults when they exercised without effect on those with ADHD. For attention we saw similar effects, i.e. in healthy adults exercise increased reaction time but had no impact on ADHD. Impulsivity findings were more exciting! Cycling and yoga reduced temporal impulsivity in those with ADHD (and cycling helped in healthy controls as well). You can access the paper here.
Mindfulness Interventions for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
In this study we review current literature examining mindfulness as a possible intervention for ADHD. We reviewed data from 22 studies to reveal that that mindfulness may help with self-compassion, quality of life, wellbeing, depression, and anxiety within ADHD. It may also help improve ADHD symptoms, executive function, problematic behaviours, and emotional dysregulation, although results vary by age of patient and measures used. Parent stress and parenting style have received limited attention, highlighting the need for more studies in these areas. Whilst the data presented suggest that mindfulness may be beneficial, the evidence base is not as strong as the popularity of the approach and more high quality research is needed. You can access this paper here.
Attitudes and preferences towards exercise as a means to managing ADHD in adults: A survey study.
In this study we asked adults with ADHD to tell us about their existing exercise habits and how they felt about using exercise to manage their ADHD, either as a standalone or adjunct treatment (alongside medication). Analysis revealed that participants’ willingness to engage in exercise as a standalone treatment differed based on medication use. Despite this, exercise interventions were considered feasible, with most willing to dedicate considerable time to exercise. In terms of support, the most popular approaches were in-person support from a personal trainer or healthcare professional or independent exercise following a personalized plan. You can read the full study here.
The role of tryptophan modulation on ADHD symptoms: A systematic review.
Serotonin is thought to be important in ADHD and studies attempting to modulate serotonin have been carried out in individuals with ADHD. Here we review the current literature and demonstrate that, despite several studies being conducted there is very little research looking at adults, actual core symptoms of ADHD and both males and females. You can access this paper free from the publishers without subscription here.
Exercise addiction in ADHD
Exercise is viewed as positive for both physical and mental health in everyone. It is also thought to be helpful in ADHD. However, we know that people with ADHD are more at risk of developing behavioural and drug addictions so we conducted research into exercise behaviours in ADHD to examine whether there was a risk of exercise addiction. We found that some individuals with ADHD will fixate on exercise more and there could be a higher risk of exercise withdrawal. Whilst those with ADHD were no more likely to become addicted to exercise than those without, they were more likely to be classed as symptomatic non-dependent than asymptomatic non-dependent. This means exercise needs to be carefully examined - more research is needed. There is a link to the website here but you can also download a copy here Popat et al 2021.
The Effects of Different Exercise Approaches on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Adults: A Randomised Controlled Trial
In this study, we examined the effects of just 10 minutes of cycling or yoga on the symptoms of ADHD in healthy adults and those with a diagnosis. As expected those withA DHD moved more that those without but movement increased in healthy adults when they exercised without effect on those with ADHD. For attention we saw similar effects, i.e. in healthy adults exercise increased reaction time but had no impact on ADHD. Impulsivity findings were more exciting! Cycling and yoga reduced temporal impulsivity in those with ADHD (and cycling helped in healthy controls as well). You can access the paper here.
Mindfulness Interventions for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
In this study we review current literature examining mindfulness as a possible intervention for ADHD. We reviewed data from 22 studies to reveal that that mindfulness may help with self-compassion, quality of life, wellbeing, depression, and anxiety within ADHD. It may also help improve ADHD symptoms, executive function, problematic behaviours, and emotional dysregulation, although results vary by age of patient and measures used. Parent stress and parenting style have received limited attention, highlighting the need for more studies in these areas. Whilst the data presented suggest that mindfulness may be beneficial, the evidence base is not as strong as the popularity of the approach and more high quality research is needed. You can access this paper here.
Attitudes and preferences towards exercise as a means to managing ADHD in adults: A survey study.
In this study we asked adults with ADHD to tell us about their existing exercise habits and how they felt about using exercise to manage their ADHD, either as a standalone or adjunct treatment (alongside medication). Analysis revealed that participants’ willingness to engage in exercise as a standalone treatment differed based on medication use. Despite this, exercise interventions were considered feasible, with most willing to dedicate considerable time to exercise. In terms of support, the most popular approaches were in-person support from a personal trainer or healthcare professional or independent exercise following a personalized plan. You can read the full study here.
The role of tryptophan modulation on ADHD symptoms: A systematic review.
Serotonin is thought to be important in ADHD and studies attempting to modulate serotonin have been carried out in individuals with ADHD. Here we review the current literature and demonstrate that, despite several studies being conducted there is very little research looking at adults, actual core symptoms of ADHD and both males and females. You can access this paper free from the publishers without subscription here.
Exercise addiction in ADHD
Exercise is viewed as positive for both physical and mental health in everyone. It is also thought to be helpful in ADHD. However, we know that people with ADHD are more at risk of developing behavioural and drug addictions so we conducted research into exercise behaviours in ADHD to examine whether there was a risk of exercise addiction. We found that some individuals with ADHD will fixate on exercise more and there could be a higher risk of exercise withdrawal. Whilst those with ADHD were no more likely to become addicted to exercise than those without, they were more likely to be classed as symptomatic non-dependent than asymptomatic non-dependent. This means exercise needs to be carefully examined - more research is needed. There is a link to the website here but you can also download a copy here Popat et al 2021.