E-Thesis 531 views 1290 downloads
Associations Between Physical Activity and ADHD in Adults: Investigating Determinants of Behaviour, Challenges, and Considerations for Implementation / RORY TUCKER
Swansea University Author: RORY TUCKER
DOI (Published version): 10.23889/SUthesis.69766
Abstract
Physical Activity (PA) and/or Physical Exercise (PE), is increasingly being considered as an adjunct/alternative treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactive disorder (ADHD). Emerging evidence suggests that PA/PE may help alleviate ADHD symptoms, but most research has focused on children and males, l...
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Swansea, Wales, UK
2025
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| Institution: | Swansea University |
| Degree level: | Doctoral |
| Degree name: | Ph.D |
| Supervisor: | Reed, Phil ; Williams, Claire |
| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa69766 |
| Abstract: |
Physical Activity (PA) and/or Physical Exercise (PE), is increasingly being considered as an adjunct/alternative treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactive disorder (ADHD). Emerging evidence suggests that PA/PE may help alleviate ADHD symptoms, but most research has focused on children and males, leaving adults underrepresented. This thesis addressed this gap by investigating the associations between physical activity and ADHD in Adults. A cross-sectional study (Chapter Two) found no significant overall negative relationship between PA and total ADHD symptomatology, but results varied by ADHD subtype and demographics. The correlation was significant in subclinical ADHD and female groups, and for the general sample for specific subsets of PA (PE) and ADHD symptomatology (inattentive ADHD). To address specificity issues around measuring motivation, Chapter Three adopted a Self Determination Theory perspective, also investigating links with Exercise Dependence (ED). ADHD was associated with reduced intrinsic PE motivation (particularly inattentive ADHD) and increased ED (particularly hyperactive ADHD). Chapter Four explored barriers to PE, finding that adults with subclinical ADHD experienced greater levels of specific barriers - Motivation; Beliefs about Capabilities; Skills; Emotion; Action planning; Coping planning; Goal conflict, and Social) - than non-ADHD adults. To investigate how PE interventions might overcome these barriers, Chapter Five investigated the effects of a home-based PE intervention on executive functions linked to ADHD. Limited effectiveness was found, possibly due to a lack of power and experimental control. Overall, these findings suggest that ADHD is associated with reduced PE; reduced intrinsic PE motivation; increased ED risk and increased barriers to PE. These findings can help inform and optimise PE-based interventions by promoting intrinsic motivation; targeting specific PE barriers; controlling and monitoring risk factors for ED; and prioritising certain treatment for symptom presentations/populations. This work adds to the growing body of research on PA on ADHD, offering insights for PE-based treatment design and implementation. |
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| Item Description: |
ORCiD identifier: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2219-7871 |
| Keywords: |
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; ADHD; Physical Activity; Physical Exercise; Adult Population; Underdiagnosed Populations; Theoretical Domains Framework; Self Determination Theory; Exercise Dependence; Determinants of Behaviour |
| College: |
Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences |