Introduction: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that is diagnosed in children and usually persists into adolescence and adulthood. The main symptoms are difficulty maintaining attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. In addition, people with ADHD may have cognitive, social, and motor difficulties. As medications have many side effects, physical activity seems to be a more appropriate choice for therapy. Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to review the literature to identify the effects of different forms of physical activity on cognitive functioning, motor skills, physical fitness and behavioural symptoms in children with ADHD and to make suggestions for further research. Methods: The literature search was conducted in the electronic Physiotherapy Evidence Database. Six studies on the effects of physical activity in children with ADHD were included. Results: Exercise for cognitive impairment and rehabilitation, the goal-oriented exercise programme, the recreational swimming exercise programme and trampoline jumping had statistically significant positive effects on executive functions in children with ADHD. The simulated developmental horse-riding programme and high-intensity interval training had statistically significant positive effects on motor skills and physical fitness in children with ADHD. Exercise for cognitive impairment and rehabilitation also had a statistically significant positive effect on the behavioural symptoms of children with ADHD. Discussion and conclusion: The exercise programmes varied in parameters and content. The greatest effects on executive functions were achieved with exercise programmes that included cognitive tasks, goal-directed exercises, and swimming. For motor skills and physical fitness, the best effects were achieved by an exercise programme with a wide range of motor tasks and high-intensity interval training. An exercise programme with cognitive tasks was effective in improving ADHD symptoms. Physical activity is key to a healthy lifestyle and well-being, so its use makes sense, especially if it improves the symptoms and problems of children with ADHD. Despite the shortcomings of this thesis (small number of included studies, single database, only descriptive comparison of studies), our findings have practical value as the exercise programmes mentioned can be used by practitioners when working with children with ADHD.
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