Relationships between Physical Activity with Physical Self-Concept and Mental Health among Children with ADHD

Poster Presentation
Paper ID : 1210-SSRC
Authors
1Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Education, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
2Sarkizov-Serazini RSUFKSMiT, , Russia, Moscow
3Department of Sport Psychology, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
Abstract
Background: Physical activity refers to any activity or movement of the body that is caused by the contraction and expansion of skeletal muscles and requires energy. Regular participation in physical activity has many health benefits. The impact of physical activity on physical self-concept and mental health of children with ADHD has received less attention. hence, the aim of this study was to investigate relationships between physical activity with physical self-concept and mental health among children with ADHD.
Methods: The present study is a descriptive-correlational study. The participants were 69 children with ADHD (22 girls) aged 9 to 14 years-old (mean of age = 12.58 years old) who were selected using a convenience sampling method. We utilized modern accelerometers to measure physical activity. The Physical Self-Description Questionnaire (PSDQ; (Marsh et al, 1994) was used to measure physical self-concept. Mental health was measured using the DASS-21 questionnaire. Independent t test and Pearson correlation test were used to analyze the data.
Results: Accelerometer data showed that children in this study did not meet the WHO guidelines of 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per day. Moreover, boys had significantly higher MVPA than girls (P<0.001). In addition, physical activity was directly and significantly associated with physical activity with physical self-concept and mental health (both P<0.001).
Conclusion: These findings indicate that there is a need to increase the level of physical activity in children with ADHD, especially girls. Finally, it is recommended that children with ADHD promote an active lifestyle and participate in regular physical activity.
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