An interventional study of High-Intensity Interval Training With Dual-Task Training in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Physiotherapy, sponsored by Hasan Kalyoncu University. Completed at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Open to participants aged 13 Years to 17 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-10-07.
Sponsored by Hasan Kalyoncu University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
This randomized controlled study evaluated the effects of an 8-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT)-based dual-task exercise program on attention, cognitive-motor performance, social adjustment, and quality of life in adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Thirty adolescents aged 13-17 years were randomized to an intervention group (n=15) or a control group (n=15). The intervention group completed 24 exercise sessions, performed three times per week for eight weeks, while the control group received no structured exercise program. Outcomes were assessed before the intervention, after the intervention, and at 3-month follow-up using the D2 Test of Attention, Stroop Test, BOT-2 Short Form, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, and Social Adjustment Scale.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that begins in childhood and is characterised by symptoms such as reduced attention span, impulsive behaviour and excessive hyperactivity. These symptoms can have a negative impact on an individual's academic achievement, social relationships and overall quality of life. Whilst pharmacological approaches are generally preferred in the treatment of ADHD, interest in non-pharmacological interventions has been growing in recent years. Among these interventions, behavioural therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy, family training and exercise-based approaches are particularly prominent.
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is an exercise method involving the alternating performance of short bursts of high-intensity physical activity with periods of low-intensity recovery. This type of exercise is not only effective in improving cardiorespiratory endurance but can also have positive effects on attention and executive functions at the neurobiological level. On the other hand, dual-task training is an approach that requires the individual to perform both motor and cognitive tasks simultaneously. This practice aims to enhance the ability to manage multiple tasks in daily life and measures performance under cognitive load.
Research has shown that YYAE and dual-task training have positive effects on attention, cognitive flexibility and motor coordination in individuals with ADHD. However, the effects of these interventions on broader psycho-social variables, such as social adaptation and quality of life, have been addressed only to a limited extent. Similarly, there are insufficient studies in the literature to determine whether the gains achieved are sustained in the long term.
The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of an exercise programme based on high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and dual-task (Dual Task) training on attention levels, cognitive-motor performance, social adaptation and quality of life, and to examine the sustainability of these effects 3 months later. The study will be conducted using a randomised controlled experimental design, with participants randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups using a sealed-envelope method. The intervention group will participate in the HIIT + Dual Task exercise programme three days a week for 8 weeks, whilst the control group will receive no intervention. Assessments will include pre-intervention, post-intervention and 3-month follow-up measurements.
1,547 studies on the registry are indexed under Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; 254 are open to participants now.
This study's enrollment of 30 is below the median of 71 across 1,233 interventional studies indexed under Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity.
Browse Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity studies →Hasan Kalyoncu University is the lead sponsor of 165 studies on the registry; 32 are open to participants now.
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Participants received an 8-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT)-based dual-task exercise program, three sessions per week, for a total of 24 sessions.
Behavioral: High-Intensity Interval Training With Dual-Task Training
Participants did not receive a structured exercise intervention during the study period and continued their usual routine.
An 8-week exercise program combining high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with dual-task exercises. Participants completed three supervised sessions per week for a total of 24 sessions. The program included interval-based high-intensity exercise together with simultaneous cognitive-motor tasks. Exercise intensity and task difficulty were progressed according to the study protocol.
Attention Performance Assessed by the D2 Test of Attention
Attention performance was assessed using the D2 Test of Attention, which evaluates selective and sustained attention and processing performance. Changes in D2 test performance were evaluated across the study time points.
Time frame: Baseline, 8 weeks, and 3-month follow-up
Strobe Test
The Stroop Test is a psychological test widely used to assess attention, cognitive control and executive functions. First developed in 1935 by John Ridley Stroop, its validity and reliability in Turkish were established in 1999 by Karakaş et al.; it is a test model used specifically to assess attention processes, selective attention, cognitive flexibility and response inhibition. The Stroop Test measures an individual's ability to suppress an automatic response (for example, reading the written word) in order to perform a more difficult task (naming the colour of the word).
Time frame: Baseline, 8 weeks, and 3-month follow-up
Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency
This test was developed by Robert H. Bruininks to comprehensively assess the motor development levels of individuals aged between 4 and 21. The adaptation to Turkey and the validity and reliability studies were carried out by Hürmeriç Altunsöz, Kahraman and Gürpınar, and the test was found to have high internal consistency (Cronbach's α \> 0.80). The BOT-2 comprises eight subtests: fine motor sensitivity, fine motor integration, manual dexterity, body coordination, balance, strength, agility and upper body coordination. Each subtest includes various tasks, and scoring is based on task performance. The raw scores obtained are expressed as standardised scores and percentile ranks. Low scores indicate deficits in motor coordination or developmental delays, whilst high scores indicate adequate cognitive-motor performance. .
Time frame: Baseline, 8 weeks, and 3-month follow-up
Social Adaptation and Skills Scale
This scale was developed to assess children's behaviours such as adaptation to their social environment, establishing and maintaining social relationships, aggression and altruism. Behaviours relating to social skills are scored using Likert-type statements; the scale comprises subdimensions such as cooperation, communication and self-control. The scores obtained from each subdimension contribute to the total social adjustment score. High scores indicate that the child has adequate social skills, whilst low scores suggest that there may be problems with social adjustment.
Time frame: Baseline, 8 weeks, and 3-month follow-up
Quality of Life Scale for Children (PedsQOL)
The scale consists of both child and parent assessment forms and assesses four sub-dimensions: physical functioning, social functioning, school life and emotional well-being. Comprising 5-point Likert-type questions, the scale measures the child's quality of life based on their experiences over the past week. Scores for each sub-scale are rated on a scale of 0-100. Higher scores indicate a better quality of life, whilst lower scores suggest difficulties in the relevant area. The parent and child forms are assessed separately, allowing results to be obtained from different perspectives.
Time frame: Baseline, 8 weeks, and 3-month follow-up
Plan to share: No
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