Chances are you’ve already noticed it around you; ADHD is on the rise. According to a 2016 study from the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention ⁽¹⁾ in the United States, about 9,6 percent of children between ages 2 to 17 are have at some point been diagnosed with attention deficit (hyperactivity) disorder. About 62% of these children were taking medication for their ADHD, and represent one out of 20 of all children in the US. In Europe at the same time about one in 20 children were diagnosed ⁽²⁾, with medication use only slightly lower⁽³⁾.

What causes ADHD?

Scientist still aren’t sure about what exactly causes ADHD. It has been linked to many different genetic and environmental influences. It has been shown that genetic factors, environment, brain structure, neural pathways, and neurotransmitter levels influence ADHD and its symptoms. Though exposure to toxins or complications in the womb or during labour are also linked to ADHD diagnoses. Furthermore, children from a lower socioeconomic background also seem to have higher ADHD rates⁽⁴⁾.

Why the rise in ADHD cases?

There are people that claim that ADHD has always been as prevalent as today, but that now finally children with the affliction are getting the help they need. Whereas in the past these children were labeled as troublemakers, without receiving further treatment or guidance.

Though according to an article in the New York Times Magazine⁽⁵⁾ there are also sociologists and neuroscientists that believe that even though there is a biological basis for ADHD, the explosion in rates of diagnosis is caused by sociological factors related to education and the expectation that children have to function like mini adults, with less and less time for play and relaxation.

Current Treatment

Whatever the cause of the ADHD epidemic might be, our children are suffering and we must have an open mind towards helping them best we can. Even though Ritalin is a very popular treatment for ADHD and seems to be reasonably effective a recent study⁽⁶⁾ shows that contrary to expectations, children learned the same amount whether they were taking Ritalin or a placebo. The study did show that medication helped children complete more seatwork and improve their classroom behaviour. But the side effects and other disadvantages of the medication make treatment very ineffective with only 20 to 40 % of people prescribed ADHD medication following their medication regime.⁽⁷⁾

The effect of martial arts on ADHD

Evidence suggest that martial arts is extremely effective in relieving ADHD symptoms in children.
In one study⁽⁸⁾ a combination of exercises of TaijiQuan and Qigong were taught to four children, between the age of 6 and 10, suffering from the ADHD and affiliated disorders. Results showed very interesting improvements in symptoms. The overall symptom improvement was 43%, which demonstrates that Chinese martial arts could be a promising treatment of symptoms for children with behavioural disorders.

Another study⁽⁹⁾ done on teenagers showed that that Chinese martial arts seem to be extremely effective in relieving ADHD symptoms like anxiety and hyperactivity. A group of 13 teenagers with ADHD was studied to find the effect of two 30-minute classes a week for five weeks. It was found that the teenagers showed significantly decreased anxiety, daydreaming, inappropriate emotions, hyperactivity, and increased positive behaviour after 5-week period. Even when the test where repeated two weeks after the classes ended, symptoms where still significantly less.
 
Yet another study⁽¹⁰⁾ on at-risk youths showed that after doing martial arts twice a week for six months, the group demonstrated a greater improvement in multitasking and cognitive flexibility. The group also demonstrated a significant improvement in the speed they processed information.

Next to the specific benefits of Chinese martial arts it has been shown⁽¹²⁾ that physical activity in general has a positive effect on the brain structure and increases blood flow and brain activity in area’s of the brain that is associated with ADHD. Exercise has also been shown to improve dopamine function, which has a positive influence on ADHD.

Experts agree

According to Eric Small, M.D., the director of the Sports Medicine Centre for Young Athletes, in Mount Kisco, New York.⁽¹¹⁾ “Martial arts offer a great, calming routine and are very good for helping kids with attention-deficit or hyperactivity disorder focus.”
 
“Martial arts training offers mental discipline and physical exercise,” says Dr. Edward Hallowell of Harvard University, a child psychiatrist specializing in learning problems. “It provides kids with an ideal opportunity to master self-control.” ⁽¹¹⁾
 
Martial arts is also known to improve self-esteem, comradery, self-development, coordination and a general sense of wellbeing. All aspects in life struggling children can massively benefit from gaining in.

Written by: Cynthia Groot
 
 

Sources:

(1) https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html

(2)  https://www.additudemag.com/is-europe-doing-a-better-job-of-treating-adhd-than-the-u-s/#:~:text=European%20attitudes%20about%20ADHD%20are,the%20European%20Union%20have%20ADHD.

(3)  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28336088/

(4)  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5447989/#B2-children-04-00031

(5)  https://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/20/magazine/the-not-so-hidden-cause-behind-the-adhd-epidemic.html

(6)  https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Fccp0000725

(7)  https://www.additudemag.com/add-medication-adherence/

(8)  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30691737/

(9)  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5447989/#B2-children-04-00031

(10) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8570107/

(11) https://www.bjjee.com/articles/evidence-suggests-jiu-jitsu-wrestling-grappling-best-for-helping-adhd-children/

(12) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5447989/h