Research shows exercise effectively reduces ADHD symptoms in adults
Lena Axelsson Svedell is a licensed physiotherapist at Region Örebro County and a doctoral student at Örebro University. A new study shows that her Start model reduces ADHD symptoms in adults.
Regular exercise has been shown to enhance quality of life, promote better sleep, and reduce ADHD symptoms – according to a recent study by Örebro University.
“The Start model has demonstrated only positive health results with no known side effects,” says researcher Lena Axelsson Svedell, who has been elected to the government’s working group for the future of adult psychiatry.
The Start model
Start was developed by Lena Axelsson Svedell, with support from the Social Impact Lab innovation environment. Start is an exercise support programme offered within the healthcare system. The aim is to achieve up to 150 active minutes each week. Regarding exertion, pulse zone 2 is adequate, which corresponds to a brisk walk.
Participants can both exercise at home and attend instructor-led or physiotherapist-led training sessions at outpatient psychiatric clinics. The instructor-led sessions include cardio, strength, and mobility training
Sixty-three adults diagnosed with ADHD participated in the study. They were randomly assigned to two groups: one that exercised according to the Start model – 150 minutes of strength and fitness training per week in a group setting, led by physiotherapists in outpatient psychiatric care – and a control group that received standard ADHD treatment.
A total of 41 individuals completed the entire programme.
Better sleep, improved quality of life, and fewer ADHD symptoms.
After three months, the researchers observed that the participants in the training group had significantly reduced their ADHD symptoms. Improvements included better sleep and an improved quality of life.
"I was surprised by the undeniably positive results. I anticipated a difference between the clinician's assessment and the participant's self-reported improvement, but they were remarkably similar," says Lena Axelsson Svedell, a physiotherapist and doctoral student at Örebro University.
“I was also surprised that we obtained positive results on the subscale for the symptom hyperactivity. Previous studies have shown that training can improve inattention but have found no evidence that it improves hyperactivity.”
Suitable for anyone waiting for an assessment
Researchers believe that the results demonstrate that physical exercise can be a valuable complement to medication and therapy, or an alternative for those who do not wish to or cannot take medication.
“The Start model could be used by virtually anyone waiting for an assessment, regardless of whether they receive a diagnosis or not – the exercise programme has no known side effects, only positive health benefits. Additionally, the Start model proved to be effective for both those on medication and those not, making it a useful adjunctive treatment for individuals who do not experience full effects from their medication,” says Lena Axelsson Svedell.
The study, published in Frontiers in Psychiatry, is the first randomised controlled trial of an exercise programme for adults with ADHD in Sweden. The research was carried out by Lena Axelsson Svedell together with Mialinn Arvidsson Lindvall, Kajsa Lidström Holmqvist, Yang Cao, and Mussie Msghina.
Shaping the future of adult psychiatry
“My hope is that healthcare providers will take this on board and offer training support as an effective and valid method of reducing ADHD symptoms, while also improving physical and mental health. And that society will also recognise the importance of prioritising support for exercise as an intervention, including for local authorities and civil society. It’s so worthwhile to support those who cannot find a routine or manage their physical activity on their own.”
“It’s going to be very exciting,” says Lena Axelsson Svedell, who has been chosen by the Swedish Government Offices to sit on a working group shaping the future of adult psychiatry.
Text: Jesper Eriksson
Photo: Jesper Eriksson