Start Date
19-6-2025 12:00 PM
End Date
19-6-2025 1:00 PM
Abstract
Introduction
Regular physical activity is essential for improving physical and mental health outcomes in adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). School lunch breaks offer opportunities for structured physical activity. This study examined the effects of “exercise snacks” on cardiorespiratory fitness and self-perceived competence in adolescents with ADHD in Hong Kong.
Methodology
Fifty-five adolescents (Mage=13.96 ± 1.49 yrs.) clinically diagnosed with ADHD were randomly allocated to either an intervention (n=30) or a control (n=25) group using block randomization. The 12-week intervention consisted of 15-minute moderate-intensity physical activity sessions, three times a week during school lunch breaks. Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed using the 20-meter shuttle run test, and self-perceived competence was measured with the Physical Self-Description Questionnaire. Assessments were conducted at baseline, post-intervention, 3-month follow-up, and 12-month follow-up. Generalized Estimating Equations were used to analyze the effects, adjusting for demographic variables (e.g., age, socioeconomic status, BMI, and gender).
Results
For cardiorespiratory fitness, a significant group × time interaction effect was observed (p<0.01). The intervention group showed significant improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness (from M=17.04, 95% CI: [15.34, 18.74] to M=22.63, 95% CI [20.05, 25.21], p<0.01) and self-perceived competence (from M=10.68, 95% CI [9.96, 11.41] to M=12.02, 95% CI [11.26, 12.78], p<0.05), and both maintained stable through two follow-ups. Meanwhile, the control group showed no significant changes across all time points.
Conclusions
The findings suggest that integrating “exercise snacks” into school lunch breaks appears to be a feasible and effective approach to enhancing physical fitness and self-perceived competence outcomes in adolescents with ADHD.
Recommended Citation
Sui, Jinghao; Sit, Cindy Hui-ping; Feng, Jie; DASTAMOOZ, Sima; and Liu, Chang, "Incorporating "Exercise Snacks" into School Lunch Breaks Promotes Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Self-perceived Physical Competence among Adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder" (2025). International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness. 40.
https://sword.cit.ie/isapa/2025/day4/40
Incorporating "Exercise Snacks" into School Lunch Breaks Promotes Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Self-perceived Physical Competence among Adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Introduction
Regular physical activity is essential for improving physical and mental health outcomes in adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). School lunch breaks offer opportunities for structured physical activity. This study examined the effects of “exercise snacks” on cardiorespiratory fitness and self-perceived competence in adolescents with ADHD in Hong Kong.
Methodology
Fifty-five adolescents (Mage=13.96 ± 1.49 yrs.) clinically diagnosed with ADHD were randomly allocated to either an intervention (n=30) or a control (n=25) group using block randomization. The 12-week intervention consisted of 15-minute moderate-intensity physical activity sessions, three times a week during school lunch breaks. Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed using the 20-meter shuttle run test, and self-perceived competence was measured with the Physical Self-Description Questionnaire. Assessments were conducted at baseline, post-intervention, 3-month follow-up, and 12-month follow-up. Generalized Estimating Equations were used to analyze the effects, adjusting for demographic variables (e.g., age, socioeconomic status, BMI, and gender).
Results
For cardiorespiratory fitness, a significant group × time interaction effect was observed (p<0.01). The intervention group showed significant improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness (from M=17.04, 95% CI: [15.34, 18.74] to M=22.63, 95% CI [20.05, 25.21], p<0.01) and self-perceived competence (from M=10.68, 95% CI [9.96, 11.41] to M=12.02, 95% CI [11.26, 12.78], p<0.05), and both maintained stable through two follow-ups. Meanwhile, the control group showed no significant changes across all time points.
Conclusions
The findings suggest that integrating “exercise snacks” into school lunch breaks appears to be a feasible and effective approach to enhancing physical fitness and self-perceived competence outcomes in adolescents with ADHD.