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Yoga for ADHD: New Study Suggests Benefits
Proven beneficial study by Ural Federal University showing enhanced attention, reduced hyperactivity in kids aged six to seven.
Yoga for ADHD in children has proven beneficial, a new study finds.
Researchers at Ural Federal University found enhanced attention and reduced hyperactivity.
The study involved 16 children aged six to seven.
It found that children Kids with ADHD also experienced less fatigue and improved focus.
Yoga for ADHD Focuses on Breathing Exercises
Children with ADHD often have an underdeveloped “reticular formation,” which is the part of the brain that manages activity regulation.
As a result, they tend to exhibit extreme hyperactivity, increased distractibility, and fatigue, which negatively affect their ability to regulate and control their actions.
Dr. Sergey Kiselev, the study’s lead researcher, introduced a type of deep breathing called diaphragmatic rhythmic breathing, or belly breathing, to help enhance the brain’s oxygen supply and support the reticular formation in functioning more efficiently.
When the reticular formation receives enough oxygen, it can better regulate a child’s activity.
Tension-relaxation exercises
Along with breathing exercises, the study integrated body-focused techniques like tension-relaxation exercises.
Participants attended training sessions three times a week for two to three months, depending on the specific program.
Dr. Kiselev explained that exercise offers both immediate and long-term benefits.
The study discovered that the positive impact on regulation and control functions in children with ADHD continued even a year after completing the exercise program.
This lasting effect is credited to the internalization of proper breathing techniques, which facilitate better oxygen flow to the brain and ultimately improve the behavior and mental state of a child with ADHD.
Body-oriented techniques, like tension-relaxation exercises, were also used.
A Neuropsychological Approach
Developed by Russian neuropsychologist Anna Semenovich, the technique is part of a neuropsychological correction approach.
Positive effects on regulation and control functions persisted even one year after the exercises.
The pilot study demonstrated promising results, but further research with more participants is needed.
Future studies will consider factors like gender, age, disease severity, and concomitant issues.
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