Author(s): TSUK, S., MIMOUNI-BLOCH, A., Institution: WINGATE COLLEGE , Country: ISRAEL, Abstract-ID: 582

INTRODUCTION:
Methylphenidate (MPH) is widely prescribed for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but its acute effects on motor performance in physically active adults with ADHD remain unclear. We examined whether a single prescribed dose of MPH improves agility and balance abilities.
METHODS:
Thirty-five physical education college students with clinician-confirmed ADHD (age 25.3+/-3.6 y; 65.7% male) completed a randomized, open-label crossover protocol with two sessions (MPH vs no MPH) separated by >=7 days. In the MPH session, participants self-administered their usual prescribed MPH (short-, intermediate-, or long-acting formulations) 1 h before testing. Agility was assessed using a zigzag test performed with and without ball dribbling (two trials; best time, s). Balance was assessed using a one-leg, eyes-closed test (best of two legs; s). Resting measurements were obtained after >=5 min seated, and post-test measurements were taken immediately after the final agility trial; outcomes included systolic/diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, sublingual core temperature, and Borg 6-20 rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Paired Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used.
RESULTS:
Motor performance did not differ between conditions (median [Q1,Q3], no MPH vs MPH): agility 7.4 [6.9,7.8] vs 7.2 [6.8,7.7] s (p=0.062); agility with ball 13.6 [10.6,16.9] vs 13.2 [11.2,18.1] s (p=0.207); balance 24.1 [12.0,62.0] vs 25.1 [13.3,67.8] s (p=0.130). Resting systolic blood pressure was higher with MPH: 126.0 [120.0,134.0] vs 130.0 [120.5,143.5] mmHg (p=0.033). Post-test blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and RPE were similar between conditions (all p>0.05).
CONCLUSION:
In physically active young adults with ADHD, a single prescribed dose of MPH taken 1 h before testing did not acutely improve agility or balance but increased resting systolic blood pressure. These findings suggest limited acute ergogenic benefits for these tasks and support monitoring cardiovascular responses around exercise.