Introduction: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is recognized as the most common neurodevelopmental disorder in childhood, characterized by varying degrees of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Initially considered a childhood-only condition, it is now known that in approximately 50% of cases, ADHD continues into adulthood and affects individuals' daily functioning. Treatment usually involves pharmacological approaches, which may cause various unwanted psychological and physical side effects. Physical activity is therefore recommended as a method to alleviate symptoms and reduce the need for medication. Purpose: The purpose of this thesis was to review the professional literature and determine whether physical activity has a significant impact on well-being, functioning, and ADHD symptoms in adults. Methods: The search for professional and scientific literature was conducted using the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases with the keywords ADHD, exercise, and adult. The literature review included open-access studies in English with ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in the title. The studies evaluated immediate and long-term effects of physical exercise using various methods – questionnaires, cognitive tasks, magnetic resonance imaging, etc. Results: Eight studies were included in the review, investigating the effects of different types of physical activity (most commonly aerobic exercise and yoga) on adults with ADHD aged between 18 and 39 years. The studies used cognitive tasks, questionnaires, and various physiological measurements. Most exercises showed a positive effect on attention and impulsivity. Aerobic exercises such as cycling or walking contributed in several studies to improved reaction time, reduced response variability, and increased activation in brain regions associated with executive functioning. In some cases, improvements were also observed in mood, motivation for cognitive tasks, and reduced fatigue. On the other hand, the effects of exercise on motor impulsivity and hyperactivity were inconsistent, with most studies in these areas not reporting significant changes in participants. Nevertheless, the observed effects were mostly small and short-term, varying depending on the type of exercise, measurement methods, and participant characteristics, which limits the possibility of reliably generalizing the results. Discussion and Conclusion: The literature review indicated that physical activity, especially aerobic exercise, can have a positive effect on ADHD symptoms in adults, particularly in terms of attention and impulsivity. The impact on hyperactivity and other symptoms was not consistent. Physical activity thus holds potential as a complementary approach to ADHD treatment; however, further research with more standardized methodologies and long-term follow-ups is needed for more reliable conclusions.
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