EFFECTS OF PHYSICAL EXERCISE ON SUSTAINED ATTENTION IN SCHOOLCHILDREN AGED 8 TO 12 YEARS WITH ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF MONTERÍA, CÓRDOBA

Abstract

This study evaluates the impact of a physical exercise program on improving sustained attention in children aged 8 to 12 years with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in the municipality of Montería, Córdoba. The research was developed through a pre-experimental design, in which 12 schoolchildren diagnosed with ADHD participated. A 4-week physical exercise program was applied, with 3 weekly sessions of 1 hour, focused on activities that combine strength, endurance, speed and coordination, adapted to the needs of the participants. The evaluation of the impact of the program was carried out using the d2 test, which allowed measuring various dimensions of care, including total answers, correct answers, omissions, commission errors, and the total effectiveness of the test. The results showed significant improvements in children's sustained attention, with an increase in correct answers (from 93.58 to 126.91) and a reduction in commission errors (from 5.83 to 2.83). In addition, an increase in reaction times and a greater ability to concentrate were observed, which was confirmed by the statistical analyses performed (ANOVA-MR, p = 0.001 and ω² = 0.161). The study concludes that the inclusion of planned physical exercise can be an effective tool in the management of ADHD symptoms, offering a complementary alternative to traditional pharmacological treatments. In addition, the importance of a psychoeducational and multidisciplinary approach, involving teachers, parents and health professionals, to enhance the benefits of exercise in the child and adolescent population with ADHD is highlighted. This work provides relevant evidence for the integration of physical activity programs in the school context, promoting an improvement in the quality of life and cognitive development of children affected by this disorder.