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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07376863

Impact of Structured Exercise Programs on Cognitive, Motor and Behavioral Outcomes in Children With ADHD

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of structured exercise interventions (Gince Zumba and Square Stepping) on cognitive, motor and behavioral functions of children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Specifically, this study aims to:

* compare the effects of Gince Zumba and Square Stepping on motor perfoemance, including coordination and reaction time. * examine changes in cognitive functions, particularly attention and memory functions following each exercise intervention. * evaluate the impact of both exercise programs on behavioral symptoms and social adaptation as reported by parents * determine whether rhytm-based exercise (Gince Zumba) or cognitively demanding stepping exercise (Square Stepping) is more effective in imroving functional outcomes in children with ADHD.

Based on these aims, the study was conducted as follows:

* Eligible participants were randomly assigned to one of the three intervention groups ( square stepping group, gince zumba group, control group) * All participants underwent baseline assessments prior to the interventions * Participants in the intervention groups performed assigned activities for eight weeks, while the control group did not engage in regular physical activity during the same period. * Following the completion of the interventions, all participants underwent post-intervention assessments

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Key information

Conditions

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders Mental Disorders Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Age range

8 year–12 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Cukurova University, Faculty of Medicine

Adana, 01170, Turkey (Türkiye)

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Ability to read and understand Turkish language
  • Use of psychostimulant medication for at least 2 months prior to enrollment

Exclusion criteria

  • Diagnosis of intellectual disability
  • Comorbidity of medical or psychiatric
  • Inability to participate in physical activity

Treatment and study plan

Gince Zumba Exercise

Other

The Gince Zumba interventions consisted of rhythm-based aerobic exercises , requiring cognitive engagement through attention, coordination, and sequencing of movements, and aiming to support cognitive functions."

Other names: Gince Zumba Exercises

Square Stepping Exercise

Other

The Square Stepping Exercise intervention consisted of step patterns performed on a gridded mat in group sessions,, requiring cognitive engagement through visuospatial processing, attention, working memory, and sequencing of movement patterns, and aiming to support cognitive functions."

Primary outcomes

  1. Stroop Color Test Completion Time

    Time frame: Baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention

    The Stroop Color Test is a neuropsychological assessment used to evaluate selective attention, cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control.

    In this study, the primary outcome is the total time required to complete the interference condition of the Stroop task, measured in seconds.

    Shorter completion time indicates better attentional control and executive functioning. Measurements will be obtained before and after the 8-week exercise intervention.

  2. Visual-Auditory Digit Span Test Total Score

    Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks

    The Visual-Auditory Digit Span Test (VADST) is a neuropsychological assessment used to evaluate short-term memory and working memory through auditory and visual digit recall tasks.

    The primary outcome measure is the total test score, expressed in points, obtained from correct responses across all subtests.

    Higher total scores indicate better memory performance and cognitive processing capacity. The assessment will be administered at baseline and after the 8-week intervention period.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Blaze Pod Reaction Time Score

    Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks

    The BlazePod system is a light-based interactive training and assessment tool used to evaluate visuomotor performance.

    The secondary outcome measure is the mean reaction time, recorded in milliseconds, representing the time elapsed between the visual stimulus and the participant's motor response.

    Shorter reaction time indicates faster visuomotor processing and motor response speed. Reaction time data will be collected digitally via the BlazePod mobile application. The assessment will be conducted at baseline and after the 8-week intervention period.

  2. Blaze Pod Number of Hits

    Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks

    The BlazePod system is a light-based interactive assessment tool used to evaluate visuomotor performance and response accuracy.

    The secondary outcome measure is the total number of correct responses (hits) recorded during the task.

    Hits represent the number of targets successfully activated within the predefined assessment duration. Higher hit counts indicate better visuomotor coordination and task performance. Performance data will be recorded digitally via the BlazePod mobile application.

    The assessment will be conducted at baseline and after the 8-week intervention period.

  3. Blaze Pod Total Number of Errors

    Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks

    The BlazePod system is a light-based interactive assessment tool used to evaluate visuomotor performance during goal-directed motor tasks.

    The secondary outcome measure is the total error score, calculated as the sum of missed targets (miss hits) and incorrect responses (strikes) recorded during the assessment. The total error score is expressed as a numerical count.

    Lower error scores indicate better response accuracy and motor control. All performance data will be recorded digitally via the BlazePod mobile application.

    The assessment will be conducted at baseline and after the 8-week intervention period.

  4. Conners Parent Rating Scale Total Score

    Time frame: Baseline and after 8 weeks

    The Conners Parent Rating Scale (CPRS) is a standardized questionnaire used to assess behavioral symptoms associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, as reported by parents.

    The secondary outcome measure is the total score obtained from the scale, expressed in points based on parent responses to Likert-type items.

    Higher total scores indicate greater severity of ADHD-related behavioral symptoms.

    The assessment will be completed by parents at baseline and after the 8-week intervention period.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Cukurova University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Gince Zumba and Square Stepping Exercises on Motor and Cognitive Functions in Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Acronym: ADHD

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Jan 29, 2026
Registry last updated
Jan 29, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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