Ba Duan Jin in Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity, resulting in functional impairment in multiple settings. The prevalence in China is estimated to be 6.26%. From the point of Chinese Traditional Medicine (TCM), ADHD can be divided into 4 categories according to the symptom differentiation in TCM.

Aerobic exercise is known to improve executive function (EF) performance, which is known as the core deficit of ADHD, therefore reduce ADHD symptoms. Aerobic exercise with the component of self-control and development of character is reported to improve EF.

Baduanjin is one of the aerobic exercises that has been handed down since the northern song dynasty, serving as Chinese physical and breathing exercises. The eight movements of Baduanjin are required to be gentle, slow, elastic and appropriate which not only require the practitioner to control physical activity but also require a combination of cognitive activities. Researchers found that Baduanjin has a positive protective effect on cognitive function such as selective attention in patients with mild cognitive impairment adults.

Therefore, investigators designed the Baduanjin training system. This is a combination of a physical and cognitive training program and a video game with a motivation system, interesting and engaging for children with ADHD to practice on.

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosed with ADHD, Combined Presentation or Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation
• Doctor rated SNAP-IV Hyperactivity/Impulsivity score≥12
• Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient>=80 (Wechsler intelligence scale for children-IV)
• Resident in Shanghai，Zhejiang province and Jiangsu province, parents and children agree to participate in the intervention

Exclusion criteria

• Using psychiatric medication other than methylphenidate
• Attending any other type of regular physical exercises except the gym class in school during the intervention period
• Accepting any type of psychological treatment during the intervention
• Comorbid with epileptic disorder or other existing physical disorder, Tourette syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, learning disorder, mood disorder, psychiatric disorder, or under suicidal risk
• Attending any other clinical research at the same time