Author(s): KAAR, C., KOPP, M., Institution: UNIVERSITY OF INNSBRUCK, Country: AUSTRIA, Abstract-ID: 2532

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with impairments in executive functions, particularly inhibitory control, contributing to academic and psychosocial difficulties. While physical activity is considered a promising non-pharmacological intervention, little is known about the acute cognitive and affective effects of coordinatively demanding activities such as therapeutic climbing. This randomized cross-over study investigated the immediate effects of therapeutic climbing compared to aerobic exercise and a sedentary control condition on executive functions and affective responses in children with ADHD.
Sixteen children (6–10 years) diagnosed with ADHD participated in three randomized conditions: (A) therapeutic climbing (top-rope, structured tasks), (B) swimming, and (C) sedentary activity. Each session lasted 90 minutes with a one-week washout. Inhibitory control was assessed pre- and post-intervention using a computerized Child Flanker Task. Affective valence (Feeling Scale), perceived arousal (Felt Arousal Scale), perceived exertion (OMNI scale), and self-efficacy were assessed repeatedly.
Preliminary repeated-measures analyses (n = 13) revealed a significant main effect of intervention on affective valence (p = .044), with descriptively higher values following climbing compared to occupational therapy. Arousal (p = .035) and perceived exertion (p = .006) showed significant time effects across conditions. No significant intervention-specific effects were observed for inhibitory control or self-efficacy, although trends emerged for NoGo accuracy (p = .062).
These preliminary findings suggest that therapeutic climbing may promote more positive affective responses compared to sedentary activity, while acute cognitive benefits require confirmation in the final sample. Coordinatively engaging movement forms may represent a promising complementary approach in ADHD support settings.