ADHD Meds

ADHD Meds

Medications used to treat children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder allow youngsters to exercise just as strenuously as their non-ADHD counterparts, says a study from Ball State University.

The research also found ADHD medications do not provide children with an edge by stimulating their athletic efforts past normal levels, said Tony Mahon, a researcher with the university's Human Performance Lab.

"When ADHD-diagnosed children are on their medication, they get very typical maximal exercise responses," said Mahon, a physical education professor and associate chair of the exercise science division. "The children were able to concentrate better while on their prescriptions, which allowed them to teach their potential.

"Maybe their heart is beating a little bit faster, but that may be a minimal side affect or a minimal concern compared to the other benefits you may be deriving out of using the medication."