Effects of exercise programs: working memory exercise, rhythmic movements and combination of both (working memory and rhythmic) on selective attention, and working memory in children with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Background: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder cause significant problems in academic performance, cognitive, social, emotional, developmental issues for many students and then in adulthood for their occupational and familial function. In the absence of treatment, the children are prone to develop psychological and social injuries in adulthood. On the other hand, there is a wealth of evidence that regular physical activity can be effective in maintaining brain health.The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 3 selected exercise program: working memory exercise, rhythmic movements and combination of both (working memory and rhythmic) on selective attention, and working memory in children with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Methods: Therefore, 24 girl students aged 7 to 12 with ADHD from Iman School enrolled in the experiment using available sampling method. The students were identified by Conner's questionnaire. The subjects were randomly divided into three groups: working memory, rhythmic movements and compounds (working memory and rhythmic). The design of study was quasi-experimental which administered as pre-test and post-test. Data were collected through 2 tests: Stroop test (selective attention) and N-back (working memory). Results: Results showed that the effects of working memory program on the selective attention was significant. The effects of combined training program on working memory were statistically significant but the effects of rhythmic movement on any of the factors were not significant. Also the differences between three groups were significant. The compound group showed better results in selective attention. There were no differences between groups in working memory test. Conclusion: The results showed that in planning educational programs for these children, a combination of working memory and rhythmic training could be planned to improve their selective attention and working memory.