Motor Performance and Social Problems in Children with ADHD

The Journal of Attention Disorders published research on motor performance and social problems in children with ADHD comparing parent and teacher ratings on the Conners’ Rating Scales-Revised. The participants included 129 children (9-12 years old) who were assessed with the McCarron Assessment of Neuromuscular Development for motor skill development and the Conners’ Rating Scales-Revised for social problems and ADHD symptomology. The rating scale was completed by their teachers and parents.

The results investigating motor performance and social problems in children with ADHD indicated the following:

when teachers completed the rating scale for ADHD symptomatology and social problems, motor skills remained a significant
predictor of social problems over and above the ADHD symptomatology.
when parents completed the rating scale for ADHD, motor skills did not significantly predict social problems after controlling for
ADHD symptomatology.
after controlling for motor skills, inattentive (not hyperactive-impulsive) symptoms were a significant predictor of social problems in the parent model.
after controlling for motor skills, hyperactive-impulsive (not inattentive) symptoms were a significant predictor of social problems in the teacher model.

The researchers concluded that there is an important link between motor performance and social competence in children with ADHD. In addition, it is crucial to consider the effect of different raters when exploring the relationship between motor performance and social problems in children with ADHD.

Read more on motor performance and ADHD:

Motor Performance and Social-Communicative Impairment in Children with ADHD

Yoga and ADHD

Acute Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Cognitive Flexibility in Children with ADHD

Idiopathic Toe Walking and ADHD

Physical Exercise and Functional Outcomes in Children with ADHD

Comparing Motor Impairments: Autism versus ADHD

Reference: Goulardins, J. B., Rigoli, D., Loh, P. R., Kane, R., Licari, M., Hands, B., … & Piek, J. (2015). The relationship between motor skills, social problems, and ADHD symptomatology: Does it vary according to parent and teacher report?. Journal of attention disorders, 1087054715580394.

Classroom Activity Posters is a collection of 16 exercise activities, 4 large posters and a brief, simple video demonstration of each exercise. The posters are divided into four groups: posture, alerting, ready to work and focus/balance. All of the exercises are performed in standing. Try these activities prior to starting fine motor activities, for posture breaks, to refocus students attention and for vestibular/ proprioceptive input in the classroom. FIND OUT MORE.