ADHD/Running A School Study
by Mary Ellen Johnson, June 3, 2001


USATF JO, Reno, NV, Kingstown, RI, JO Runners Up, warm up for Nationals. Photo: Lorraine Horton

Could this intense activity be doing more than just helping these kids become skilled athletes, while staying healthy and fit? Could it also be helping reduce conflict and oppositional problems? According to this school admininistrator the answer is "Yes," that is IF they are kids who have been diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ).

Recently, I developed and implemented a four-week study at my school (3rd-5th graders) which involves the following:
There is a group of students at our school who are diagnosed as ADHD but are not medicated. There is another group of students, not diagnosed with ADHD, but according to teacher observations, exhibit clinical behaviors of ADHD (out of seat, talking out, off task, bothering others, non-compliance) These students are not medicated.

In addition, there are students diagnosed with ADHD and medicated.
My study included the first two groups (nonmedicated ADHD, nonmendicated undiagnosed ADHD exhibiting clinical behaviors of ADHD).

Basically, the 1st week of the study was used to collect classroom behavior data and establish a baseline. During the second and third week of the study, a 10 min. recess period was given to the study group in addition to continued classroom observations by the teacher. The last week of the study was to continue classroom observations by the teacher and not give the 10 minute recess period.

The study design was an A-B-A approach. It was found that the recess period had a impact on those students with "Talking out behaviors".

The starting baseline was high, during the intervention period, the behaviors decreased, and when the intervention was discontinued, the behaviors increased.

Contact information:
Mary Ellen Johnson
Assistant Principal
Johnson@mail.santarosa.k12.fl.us



This response makes a lot of sense. These kids are born to MOVE! This ability should be used to benefit the kids. Perhaps a first period of running could ready them for school and help them focus.

Are you a teacher or parent of a child who has been diagnosed with ADHD? Are you a runner who suspects that you were blessed with quite a bit of extra energy? If so, please let us know what you think give us a glimpse of how you would use this to help kids focus, learn, and just plain be able to comply with the rules of school.

Here are some links to other ADHD/Running articles on this site.

How Running and Exercise can Impact the Behavior of ADHD Children January 31, 2001, by Dr. Michael S. Wendt, Ed.D

Getting their Attention by Hal Higdon