The Effects of Exercise Therapy on the Co-Morbidity of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Developmental Co-Ordination Disorder. (DCD)
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Completed
- Sponsor
- Enrollment
- 151
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity will be rated, using Conners rating scale.
Study Overview
Brief Summary
This study aims to establish and present the prevalence figures and demographics of the co-morbidity of ADHD and DCD.
It further aims to design an exercise intervention, to be utilised in the management of the symptoms of both conditions.
Furthermore, it aims at establishing the efficacy of this exercise intervention, when compared with the current and most commonly used intervention, that is: neurostimulant drugs.
Detailed Description
This study is an experimental design, having three phases. The study looks at children, aged 8 to 9, in remedial units or LSEN classes, in and around Durban, Kzn, SA; who have been diagnosed with ADHD/ADD.
Phase 1: Teachers of the children identified with ADHD/ADD, will be asked to complete a modified teacher Conner's rating, to confirm the diagnosis of ADHD/ADD. The parent will then be asked to complete a DCD questionnaire (DCDQ) to give the PI an idea of whether co-ordination difficulties exist. The PI will then administer a Motor Assessment Battery for Children (MABC) to confirm the diagnosis of DCD. From the scores derived from the 3 above tests, co-morbidity will be diagnosed. The prevalence figures of co-morbidity will be calculated and presented. Demographics of prevalence figures will be given: Gender, Population group, average age.
Phase 2: The exercise intervention will be designed, drawing from the literature and similar interventions already used in various publications.
This programme will be validated by experts (Physiotherapists and O.Ts from special needs schools) and when 70% consensus is reached on all aspects of the programme, the final version will be drafted.
Phase 3: The children found to have both conditions, in co-morbidity, will be assigned to one of 4 groups, according to parental choice, medical advice from paediatricians, GPs etc and an intervention a child is already on.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Non Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Factorial
- Primary Purpose
- Treatment
- Masking
- Single (Investigator)
Masking Description
The Pi will not be involved in post intervention testing of the children/participants.
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 8 Years to 9 Years (Child)
- Sex
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria
- •Age 8 to 9, diagnosed with ADHD, in remedial unit or LSEN class, in mainstream school in Durban Kzn SA.
Exclusion Criteria
- •Any child having an obvious physical disability, neurological condition, musculoskeletal condition, psychiatric disorder or genetic disorder.
- •Any child below age 8 and above age 9.
Arms & Interventions
1. Neurostimulant pharmaceutical drugs..
1.Participants receiving medicinal drugs, such as methylphenidate/Ritalin, administered by a medical practitioner, in dosages prescribed by the practitioner, to suit the child.
Intervention: Neurostimulant pharmaceutical drugs (Drug)
2. Exercise Intervention
Participants receiving a minimum of 8 sessions of exercise intervention, for the duration of an hour each session. Exercises will be to build muscle tone, improve core stability, enhance balance, improve fine and gross motor skills and visual motor integration.
Intervention: Neurostimulant pharmaceutical drugs (Drug)
3. Neurostimulants + Exercise intervention
See Arms 1 and 2 above. Both interventions administered together: Pharmaceutical drugs plus exercise intervention
Intervention: Neurostimulant pharmaceutical drugs (Drug)
4. Control Group
Participants will not receive any intervention during the research process. They will be given an intervention after the research is completed.
Intervention: Neurostimulant pharmaceutical drugs (Drug)
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity will be rated, using Conners rating scale.
Time Frame: Aproximately 6 months
Improvement or regression in symptoms of ADHD will be rated using the modified Conner's teacher rating scale, pre intervention and post intervention: 10 factors on inattention will be rated 0 (Not at all), 1 (Just a little), 2 (Pretty much) and 3 (Very much); 5 factors on impulsivity will be rated using the same scale as above and 5 symptoms of hyperactivity as well. Percentages will be derived from these ratings. A 70% or more indicates a positive diagnosis for inattention/impulsivity/hyperactivity.
Secondary Outcomes
- Motor co-ordination will be rated, using DCD questionnaire(Aproximately 6 months.)
Investigators
Pam Dawson
Principal Investigator
University of KwaZulu