Cognitively engaging running enhances inhibitory control and prefrontal activation in children with ADHD: the moderating role of physical self-efficacy

This study investigated the effects of cognitively engaging running on inhibitory control and prefrontal brain activation in children with ADHD, and whether physical self-efficacy moderates these effects. Thirty-six children with ADHD participated in three randomized sessions: cognitively engaging running, traditional running, and sedentary activity. Each exercise lasted 30 min at moderate intensity. Inhibitory control was assessed using the Go/No-Go task, and prefrontal activation was measured via functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) before and after each intervention. Results showed that both running types improved reaction time, but only cognitively engaging running significantly enhanced No-Go accuracy and increased oxygenated hemoglobin levels in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Moreover, improvements in inhibitory control were positively correlated with changes in prefrontal activation. Notably, physical self-efficacy moderated the cognitive outcomes of exercise; children with higher self-efficacy showed greater improvements following cognitively engaging running, while those with lower self-efficacy did not. These findings suggest that integrating cognitive challenges into physical activity and considering individual psychological traits can optimize executive function interventions for children with ADHD.