Exercise May Reduce Distractibility in Children with ADHD

A new study from Dr. Pontifex of Michigan State University, published in the Journal of Pediatrics has found some potential good news for parents of children with ADHD. Especially parents wanting to help their children with as little medication as possible. Dr. Pontifex and his research team had a group of 40 children between the ages of 8 and 10 years old (20 with ADHD, 20 without), participate in one of two different activities (20 minutes of reading while at rest, or 20 minutes of aerobic exercise on a treadmill). After completing the experiment in a way to make sure the only thing that could create the differences observed was related to the exercise, they found that all children (with and without ADHD) performed better on reading and math tasks, including greater accuracy of responses. While the study sample was small and would need to be replicated with a much larger sample to ensure the consistency of the results, the information and results provide some interesting possibilities. Based on these results, 20 minutes of aerobic exercise before tasks that require focus and sustained effort may help children with ADHD perform better and more accurately. Some questions still remain however, for instance, how long after the aerobic exercise can these results be expected to last?

Of other particular interest, not reported elsewhere that I can find, while most other variables examined in this study showed expected statistical significance, one variable that was tested, IQ, showed no significant differences between the two groups. In other words, children in this study with ADHD and without ADHD had similar enough IQ scores that the based on statistical standards they are considered "the same". Again, this sample is so small that more advanced exploration is needed. However the results also point out an important aspect of children with ADHD, they are just as intelligent (on statistical average) as children without ADHD.

What are your thoughts about these study results?

Single Motherhood NOT to Blame!

I just read an article from USA Today with the headline, "Nancy Lanza had authority over Conn. shooter Adam Lanza". The title intrigued me. Was the author implying that Nancy had "authority and therefor is to blame" for the shootings? Or were they stating, "she knew her son was dangerous and needed help?" After reading through the article I couldn't help but get the feeling that the author, possibly well intentioned or just simply looking for more to the story, was blaming divorce for the tragedy. The article details the divorce filings of Nancy and her ex-husband. I could find no good reason that this should be plastered on national news as it really had little to do with the tragedy. So to clear up any confusion of other readers of this article: Divorce, or more appropriately - Single motherhood is NOT to blame for this tragedy. Sure, many problems can arise from divorce, and some children of single PARENTS have problems, but I find it hard to understand why this aspect of their lives was highlighted. From all accounts I have been able to read, Adam was disturbed, possibly had some mental health issues, and was clearly not thinking appropriately. But the last thing I want to hear is a single mother being blamed for something so horrendous. Single parents, the majority of them mothers, have difficult struggles already without putting the fear that their child will turn out like this kid did. Let's put the focus back where it needs to be, with the families of those who are suffering and struggling as a result. With the teachers and administrators struggling now across the country, trying to provide a safe, secure environment for their students to learn. And rightly with the family of this man who made decisions that will impact the lives of hundreds if not thousands throughout the years to come. They too, will live with doubt and second guessing of their actions. On a side note, I'm reposting possibly the best news story I have seen yet related to this tragedy:

http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/16/us/connecticut-emilie-parker/index.html?iref=allsearch