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Motor Competence and Physical Fitness in Children and Adolescents With ADHD: A Comparative Study with Typically Developing Peers

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: PURPOSE: Children and adolescents with ADHD often experience motor coordination challenges that can interfere with the acquisition of fundamental skills such as running, jumping, or balancing. These limitations may affect their daily functioning and overall physical development, although previous findings in this area remain inconsistent. Therefore, this study aimed to compare motor competence and physical fitness between children and adolescents with ADHD and their typically developing peers, while also examining age-related differences. METHODS: Participants were recruited from the same school in Spain. ADHD diagnoses were established according to DSM-5 criteria, and inclusion was based on cognitive and health suitability. Motor competence was evaluated using the MABC-2 battery, which classifies performance into red, amber, or green zones based on standard scores and percentiles. Physical fitness was assessed through selected EUROFIT tests, including the 10 × 5 shuttle run, standing broad jump, and Sit & Reach. RESULTS: Children with ADHD showed lower motor competence compared to their typically developing peers. This difference was particularly evident in balance among adolescents. However, no significant differences were observed in physical fitness across age groups or according to diagnostic status. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the need for future research with larger, age-stratified samples and more comprehensive physical fitness evaluations in order to better understand motor competence and physical fitness in youth with ADHD and to inform targeted intervention strategies.

Source: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders

DOI: 10.1007/s10803-026-07415-z

Authors: Nerea Blanco Martínez, Rocío Carballo-Afonso, Alberto González Campo, Carlos Ayán-Pérez

Institutions: Servicio Gallego de Salud, Universidade de Vigo

Language: English

Topic: Children's Physical and Motor Development

Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,190