MVPA and Motor Proficiency between Children with ADHD and Typical Development: Associations with Sleep Quality.

PURPOSE: This study examined the associations of motor proficiency with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sleep quality in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and children with typical development (TD).

METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 88 medical-naïve children with ADHD aged 6-12 years old (Mage = 8.43, SD = 1.38, 81.8% boys) and 40 age-matched children with TD (Mage = 8.46, SD = 1.44, 60% boys). MVPA was recorded by a wGT3X-BT accelerometer for seven consecutive days. Motor proficiency was assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development - third edition. Sleep quality was assessed using a self-report questionnaire.

RESULTS: Children with ADHD spent significantly less time in MVPA daily, displayed less proficiency in locomotor and ball skills and reported poorer sleep quality (e.g., longer sleep latency, less sleep duration and lower sleep efficiency) than children with TD. MVPA guidelines attainment and sleep duration significantly predicted locomotor skills development; in turn, locomotor skills predicted MVPA guidelines attainment. MVPA and ball skills increased by age in children with ADHD.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results highlight the importance of promoting MVPA, motor proficiency and sleep duration in children with ADHD and TD since childhood.