The Meaning of Physical Education Practice in Students with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

• Published in: Research quarterly for exercise and sport Vol. 95; no. 3; pp. 656 - 663
• Main Authors: Bores-García, Daniel, Palacios-Ceña, Domingo, Jiménez-Antona, Carmen, Marconnot, Romain
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Routledge 02.07.2024
• Subjects: "attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity"; Adolescents; exercise; physical education and training; qualitative research; exercise; physical education and training; qualitative research; attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity; Adolescents
• ISSN: 0270-1367; 2168-3824; 2168-3824
• DOI: 10.1080/02701367.2023.2294097

Purpose: This study seeks to describe the perspective of students with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and physical education (PE) teachers concerning physical activity practice in high school. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study based on an interpretative framework was conducted with secondary school students with ADHD, and their teachers of physical education. In-depth interviews and researchers' field notes were used to collect the data. Purposive sampling and inductive thematic analysis were applied. Results: Results show that ADHD is not experienced as limiting the practice of PA and PE by students, except in motor activities that require concentration such as tactical games. On the contrary, PA and PE helps them feel better. Teachers have not had to make extensive methodological modifications in their teaching styles with students with ADHD in relation to other situations or incidents. Conclusions: Students with ADHD do not seem to show significant difficulties in PE lessons or in the practice of extracurricular PA. PE teachers do not need to make significant adaptations with these students.