Motor Attention Training for ADHD

Overseen By Alexander K Converse, PhD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Wisconsin, Madison

Disqualifiers: Unwilling to participate

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 16

Duration: 8 weeks

145 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores two non-drug treatments for ADHD in college students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Participants will either practice Tai Chi, which focuses on movement and balance, or engage in cardio-focused exercise classes, referred to as Exercise. The goal is to determine if these activities can improve attention and reduce ADHD symptoms without medication. Students at the university with an ADHD diagnosis may find this trial suitable. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative, non-drug treatments for ADHD symptoms.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research has shown that Tai Chi is generally safe for people with ADHD. A review found very few reports of unwanted side effects, indicating these are rare. Studies also show that most people stick with the program, suggesting they find the exercises manageable.

Exercise training is another option studied for ADHD. Research indicates that physical activities, especially aerobic exercises like running and swimming, can help manage ADHD symptoms. These exercises are generally safe, with no major reports of negative side effects.

Both Tai Chi and exercise offer non-medication options for managing ADHD symptoms. Participants tolerate them well, with little risk of harm. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using Tai Chi and exercise as potential treatments for ADHD because they offer a fresh, non-pharmaceutical approach to managing symptoms. Unlike typical ADHD treatments, which often involve medications like stimulants, these methods focus on improving motor attention through physical activity. Tai Chi, in particular, is unique due to its emphasis on controlled movements and mindfulness, which might improve focus and reduce impulsivity. Exercise, on the other hand, boosts cardio-aerobic fitness, which can enhance overall brain function and attention. These treatments could offer a holistic alternative that addresses both physical and cognitive aspects of ADHD.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for ADHD?

This trial will compare Tai Chi and regular exercise as interventions for managing ADHD symptoms. Research has shown that both Tai Chi and regular exercise can help manage these symptoms. One study with children found that practicing Tai Chi improved hyperactivity and attention. Participants reported better focus and less daydreaming. Similarly, regular physical exercise has been found to improve attention and reduce ADHD symptoms. Studies suggest that exercise can boost brain function and aid self-control. Both Tai Chi and regular exercise offer non-drug options that might improve ADHD symptoms. ^{2 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Alexander K Converse, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Wisconsin, Madison

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for University of Wisconsin-Madison undergraduates who have a documented diagnosis of ADHD. It's designed to see if non-drug treatments can help with their condition. Students must be willing and able to participate in the interventions.

Inclusion Criteria

You are a student enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Madison as an undergraduate.

You have been diagnosed with ADHD and there is written proof of it.

Exclusion Criteria

I am not able or willing to follow the study's treatment plan.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants are randomized into three arms: tai chi class, exercise class, or standard care alone for 8 weeks

8 weeks

16 visits (in-person) for tai chi and exercise arms

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for ADHD symptoms monthly for 3 months post-intervention

12 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Exercise
• Tai Chi

Trial Overview The study is testing two types of physical activity, Exercise and Tai Chi, as potential treatments for ADHD in college students. The goal is to determine how feasible these interventions are as non-pharmacological options.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Tai Chi Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants in this arm will attend 50-minute classes 2 times per week for 8 weeks. The course will emphasize experiential learning with 2 weeks of introductory sessions on gait, posture, and tai chi principles followed by instruction in the 24-form Yang style sequence. Students will be given a video to aid learning outside of class, and maintenance of practice post-intervention.

Group II: Exercise Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants in the exercise arm will attend 50-minute classes 2 times per week for 8 weeks. The course will emphasize cardio-aerobic fitness training. Students will be given a video to aid practice outside of class, and maintenance of practice post-intervention.

Group III: Control Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants in the control arm will not attend a class and not be given a video.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Wisconsin, Madison

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,249

Recruited

3,255,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) such as Mindfulness, Tai Chi, Yoga, and Qigong show a small but significant positive effect on reducing symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity in individuals with ADHD, based on a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

The analysis indicated a moderate improvement in executive function (EF) as well, with effect sizes of g = -0.26 for inattention, g = -0.19 for hyperactivity/impulsivity, and g = -0.35 for EF, suggesting that MBIs can be beneficial for managing ADHD symptoms, although further research is needed to confirm these findings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Effect of Meditation-Based Mind-Body Interventions on Symptoms and Executive Function in People With ADHD: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Zhang, Z., Chang, X., Zhang, W., et al.[2023]

Undergraduates with ADHD are more open to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies, indicating a potential for non-pharmacological treatments like tai chi.

About 32% of students with ADHD expressed a strong willingness to participate in a tai chi trial, suggesting that such interventions could be feasible and well-received in this population.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The appeal of tai chi and complementary therapies for college students with ADHD. Sulzer, SH., Trueba, C., Converse, AK.[2023]

Physical activity interventions significantly improve ADHD-related symptoms, particularly inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, emotional problems, and behavioral issues, based on a meta-analysis of 23 studies involving 394 participants.

Different types of physical activities are beneficial for specific symptoms: closed motor skills help with hyperactivity/impulsivity, while open motor skills are more effective for attention problems, indicating that tailored physical activity programs could enhance treatment for ADHD.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of Physical Activity Intervention on ADHD Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Xie, Y., Gao, X., Song, Y., et al.[2023]

Tai chi (TC) is generally safe, with no serious adverse events reported in a review of 153 randomized controlled trials, primarily involving older adults, although minor musculoskeletal issues like knee and back pain were noted.

Only 33% of the trials reported adverse events, and just 12% had a clear protocol for monitoring them, indicating that the inconsistent reporting limits our understanding of TC's safety profile.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

What do we really know about the safety of tai chi?: A systematic review of adverse event reports in randomized trials. Wayne, PM., Berkowitz, DL., Litrownik, DE., et al.[2022]

Regular physical exercise can significantly improve various symptoms associated with ADHD, including stress, anxiety, and poor impulse control, while also enhancing executive functioning and working memory.

Exercise increases levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is crucial for brain health and development, suggesting that physical activity may help ADHD individuals achieve better long-term outcomes in adulthood, even alongside other treatments.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Physical exercise alleviates ADHD symptoms: regional deficits and development trajectory. Archer, T., Kostrzewa, RM.[2021]

A 15-week tai chi training program for healthy young adults showed improvements in self-reported attention, suggesting it may be an effective non-pharmacological alternative for managing ADHD symptoms.

Participants who practiced tai chi experienced reduced reaction time variability, indicating enhanced attention control, while their affective bias improved, suggesting a potential benefit for cognitive function.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Tai chi training reduces self-report of inattention in healthy young adults. Converse, AK., Ahlers, EO., Travers, BG., et al.[2021]

A feasibility trial involving 21 undergraduates with ADHD showed a high retention rate of 90% and good data quality, indicating that a larger randomized controlled trial (RCT) of Tai Chi as a non-pharmacological treatment for ADHD is feasible.

The primary outcome measure, self-reported inattention symptoms, demonstrated strong reliability, suggesting that Tai Chi could potentially help improve attention in young adults with ADHD, although further refinements in study design are needed.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Tai Chi training for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A feasibility trial in college students. Converse, AK., Barrett, BP., Chewning, BA., et al.[2021]

Mindful movement practices like yoga and tai chi can enhance cognitive skills such as attention and self-control, particularly benefiting individuals with ADHD by improving their motor control and behavioral regulation.

The study suggests that engaging in mindful movement can cultivate transferable skills of attention, linking motor plans and cognitive control, which may lead to improved overall wellbeing and functional quality in various populations.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mindful movement and skilled attention. Clark, D., Schumann, F., Mostofsky, SH.[2020]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9250090/

Effects of physical exercise on children with attention deficit ... Preliminary evidence shows both acute and chronic physical exercise are beneficial to ADHD symptoms, executive function, and motor abilities.

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8785285/

The Efficacy of Physical Activity for Children with Attention ... Acute physical activity might have immediate benefits on ADHD symptoms such as the induction of exercise-related changes in brain activity (Neudecker et al., ...

3. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165178122001238

Effects of physical exercise on attention deficit and other ... The meta-analysis showed that physical exercise can improve the attention of ADHD children (standardized mean difference [SMD] = −0.60, 95% confidence interval ...

4. journals.lww.com journals.lww.com/md-journal/fulltext/2025/04180/the_therapeutic_effects_of_physical_activity_on.58.aspx

The therapeutic effects of physical activity on children... The meta-analysis showed that physical activity significantly alleviated ADHD symptoms (Hedges' g = ‐0.37, 95% CI [‐0.72, ‐0.02], I 2 = 45.2%).

5. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1133727/full

Comparative effectiveness of various physical exercise ... Conclusion: Physical exercise can significantly help to alleviate the symptoms of ADHD and improve executive functions in children and adolescents with ADHD.

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6945516/

Physical exercise in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder Both children with ADHD and healthy controls improved in reading comprehension and arithmetic after 20 min of moderate aerobic exercise compared ...

7. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1755296625000146

Physical activity is linked to fewer psychosomatic problems ... Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was more strongly associated with psychosomatic problems for adolescents with self-reported ADHD symptoms.

8. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1522944/full

Exploring the impact of different types of exercise on ... Research indicates that aerobic exercises such as running, swimming, and cycling can significantly alleviate symptoms of hyperactivity, ...

9. ijponline.biomedcentral.com ijponline.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13052-025-01924-w

Effect of vigorous-intensity exercise on the working memory ... According to the results, vigorous physical activities primarily improved working memory in children suffering from the disorder significantly.