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Martial arts as complementary interventions to support ADHD-related symptom control Cover

Martial arts as complementary interventions to support ADHD-related symptom control

Open Access
|Jun 2025

Abstract

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that has a significant impact on daily functioning in various areas of life. While pharmacology is the primary treatment, non-pharmacological interventions such as structured physical activities, particularly martial arts, are gaining prominence. This review evaluates the effectiveness of martial arts as a supportive intervention in ADHD. In addition, through this review, we aim to suggest possible approaches for future research in this area. Current results from randomized controlled clinical trials indicate that martial arts training can positively affect ADHD-related symptoms by improving visuospatial working memory, selective attention, inhibitory control, and processing speed. The results suggest that martial arts could potentially serve as a complementary intervention for ADHD, however, at this moment the body of research supporting this thesis is insufficient. We highlight the necessity for further research to strengthen current evidence, increase knowledge of additional potential benefits, standardize protocols, and optimize training methodologies.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/bgbl-2025-0003 | Journal eISSN: 2956-6851 | Journal ISSN: 0373-174X
Language: English
Page range: 27 - 38
Published on: Jun 12, 2025
Published by: The Medical Library named after S. Konopka in Warsaw
In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services
Publication frequency: 2 issues per year

© 2025 Aleksandra Suchołbiak, Oskar Mikołajczyk, Aleksandra Serafin, Urszula Jarzęcka, published by The Medical Library named after S. Konopka in Warsaw
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 License.