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Physical exercise and body awareness/movement quality in adults with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): Results from the START randomized controlled trial

Year: 2026

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Adults with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often experience difficulties regulating emotions and balancing activity and rest. Impairments such as motor skills challenges and reduced body awareness, including interpretation of sensory signals and attitudes toward the body, often receive little clinical attention despite their potential negative impact on daily functioning and health. The START intervention is a 12-week structured exercise program that combines regular physical exercise with mindful attention to the body during movement. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the START intervention on body awareness and movement quality in adults with ADHD. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, 63 adults with ADHD were assessed for body awareness and movement quality before and after a 12-week intervention or treatment-as-usual control period using the Body Awareness Scale - Movement Quality and Experience. RESULTS: Thirty-nine participants completed the study (26 intervention/13 control). Participants in the intervention group showed significantly greater improvement in body awareness compared to the control group, both in total score and in subscales for muscular tension and physical activity. Movement quality improved significantly within the intervention group, although no significant between-group differences were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Structured physical exercise with mindful attention to the body enhanced body awareness in adults with ADHD compared to standard care. Effects on movement quality were not statistically different between groups and therefore remain uncertain. These findings suggest that such exercise may be a useful complement to conventional treatments and may support a healthier relationship with the body.

Source: Complementary Therapies in Medicine

DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2026.103372

Authors: Lena Axelsson Svedell, Kajsa Lidström Holmqvist, Mussie Msghina, Mialinn Arvidsson Lindvall

Institutions: Örebro University, Karolinska Institutet, Mälardalen University

Language: English

Topic: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,760