Evaluating the Efficacy of an Inline Skating Intervention for Improving Physical and Cognitive Functions in Taiwanese Children With ADHD: A Pilot Randomized Trial

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of an inline skating intervention on physical (fundamental movement skills [FMSs] and cardiovascular fitness [CF]) and cognitive (executive functions [EFs]) outcomes in children with ADHD. A pilot randomized trial, with an intervention lasting 12 weeks was conducted. During an initial 12-week phase, 13 children with ADHD (Group A) received the intervention (two sessions per week for 80 minutes per session), whereas another 13 children with ADHD (Group B) did not (true control, no intervention). During a second 12-week phase, Group B received the intervention, but Group A did not. Physical outcomes were assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development–2 and the 20-m Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run, whereas cognitive outcomes were evaluated using the Stockings of Cambridge and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test at baseline, post-intervention, and 12-week follow-up for both groups. Following the 12-week intervention, children with ADHD in this study exhibited improved FMSs, CF, and specific EFs (all p < .05). Additionally, the intervention effects persisted for at least 12 weeks. This study provides a more comprehensive understanding of a 12-week inline skating intervention improved physical and cognitive functions in children with ADHD. Suggestions for delivering an inline skating intervention more broadly were also provided.