Basketballs to Balance Beams: Movement that actually supports your ADHD Executive Functioning
Nov 18, 2024
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Discover how intentional movement can enhance cognitive performance for those with ADHD! The hosts delve into research linking physical activity to improved executive functioning in children and explore the benefits of group play therapy. They emphasize the role of play in developing essential skills and emotional health. Personal anecdotes add a relatable touch, while listeners are encouraged to incorporate enjoyable movements into their routines for better mental well-being.
33:52
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Quick takeaways
Intentional movement, such as circus-based exercises, can significantly enhance cognitive function, particularly working memory, in children with ADHD.
Incorporating play therapy into therapeutic practices improves executive functioning and self-efficacy, emphasizing the importance of joyful interactions for neurodiverse individuals.
Deep dives
Change in Release Schedule
The podcast will transition from a weekly to a fortnightly release schedule for better quality content. This decision is intended to ensure that each episode of interviews and research recaps maintains a high standard of quality. This temporary change is designed to allow the creators time to develop more thorough content while considering audience feedback. The hosts emphasize their commitment to providing trustworthy and relevant information to their listeners.
Impact of Exercise on Executive Function
One of the studies discussed examines the effects of acute circus-based exercise on executive function, visual perception, and sleep parameters in children with neurodiverse conditions. The research highlights that participants who engaged in specific bilateral coordinative exercises showed improvements in their cognitive function, particularly in working memory and accuracy on cognitive tests. Pre-test and post-test comparisons indicated significant cognitive performance enhancements following the exercise period, although response times were slower afterward. These findings reinforce the notion that controlled, intentional movement can facilitate better executive functioning in children.
Benefits of Group Play Therapy
Another study focuses on the effects of group-based play therapy on self-efficacy and executive functioning in children with ADHD. The eight-week program, consisting of ten sessions that emphasized various emotional and cognitive skills, demonstrated significant improvements in working memory and overall cognitive abilities among participants. The therapy included activities such as relaxation techniques, sensory play, and emotional regulation exercises aimed at enriching the children's social and communication skills. This suggests that even informal and playful interactions can yield significant benefits for children struggling with ADHD.
Emphasizing the Importance of Play
The podcast underscores how essential play is for both children and adults, particularly for those with ADHD. It highlights how incorporating playful activities into daily life can improve executive functioning and reduce feelings of overwhelm. The hosts encourage listeners to prioritize play and intentional movement in their routines, reinforcing the connection between joy, fun, and cognitive effectiveness. The discussion encourages an experimental mindset toward finding enjoyable activities, asserting that every small effort to integrate play can have a notably positive impact.
Can we really support our executive functions using movement? Well actually, turns out you can!
On this episode of The ADHD Skills Lab, Skye and Sarah want to talk to you about what you can actually do to support your executive functioning, according to the latest ADHD research.
Curious about what's inside?
Explaining how intentional movement boosts cognition.
What's play got to do with it?
Some personal reveals from your favorite podcast hosts!
Make sure to head over to IG and DM Skye the word "PLAY" and she will send you a list of 30ish ways to play! Because not everyone has time to brainstorm an entire list...
Thanks for being here! Until next time, Sarah Russell (Podcast Producer)
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