Date of Award

Spring 2020

Degree Name

Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)

Department

Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences

First Advisor

Jodi Freeman, MMS, PA-C

Abstract

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is the most common neurodevelopment disorder of childhood. Two groups of prescription stimulant medications, methylphenidate-based (ex: Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine-based (ex: Adderall), are currently the mainstay treatment to control symptoms of ADHD. These groups of medications come with a myriad of adverse effects including but not limited to insomnia, decreased appetite, delayed growth, headache, and irritability. Both the symptoms that manifest in children diagnosed with ADHD and the adverse effects of stimulants have the potential to negatively impact and disrupt their social, educational, and working lives. Therefore, this paper addresses the efficacy of aerobic activity as an adjunct treatment to reduce symptoms of ADHD with less adverse effects when compared to standard stimulant medication monotherapy.

Additional Files

PICO Video Presentation.mp4 (14239 kB)
PICO References.docx (16 kB)

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Efficacy of Aerobic Activity as Adjunct Treatment Compared to Stimulant Monotherapy in Controlling Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity-Disorder Symptoms in Pediatric Patients ages 6-12 years old

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is the most common neurodevelopment disorder of childhood. Two groups of prescription stimulant medications, methylphenidate-based (ex: Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine-based (ex: Adderall), are currently the mainstay treatment to control symptoms of ADHD. These groups of medications come with a myriad of adverse effects including but not limited to insomnia, decreased appetite, delayed growth, headache, and irritability. Both the symptoms that manifest in children diagnosed with ADHD and the adverse effects of stimulants have the potential to negatively impact and disrupt their social, educational, and working lives. Therefore, this paper addresses the efficacy of aerobic activity as an adjunct treatment to reduce symptoms of ADHD with less adverse effects when compared to standard stimulant medication monotherapy.