Children with hyperactive-impulsive disorder benefit from yoga training

Abstract

Introduction

It is known that children with hyperactive-impulsive disorder have deficit in executive abilities. It is important to search for effective approaches for developing executive abilities in children with this disorder.

Objectives

The goal of this study was to reveal effect of yoga training on executive abilities in 8-9 years of age children with hyperactive-impulsive disorder. We compared the efficacy of two methods of training (yoga training vs. conventional motor exercises) in a randomized controlled pilot study.

Methods

18 children with hyperactive-impulsive disorder at the age of 8-9 years were included and randomly assigned to treatment conditions according to a 2×2 crossover design. Children from intervention group participated in 12 weeks of yoga training that included body-oriented activity and breathing exercises. To assess the executive functions we used 3 subtests from NEPSY (Auditory Attention and Response Set, Visual Attention, Statue). Effects of training were analyzed by means of an ANOVA for repeated measurements.

Results

The ANOVA has revealed (p<.05) that for all used subtests (Auditory Attention and Response Set, Visual Attention, Statue) the yoga training was superior to the conventional motor training, with effect sizes in the medium-to-high range (0.43-0.88).

Conclusions

The findings from this pilot study suggest that yoga training have positive effect on executive abilities in children with hyperactive-impulsive disorder. It influences predominantly the selective and sustained attention, inhibition, monitoring, and self-regulation. However, it is necessary to do further research into the impact of yoga exercises on the prevention and treatment of hyperactive-impulsive disorder in children.