Perceptions of parents and children with attention deficit hyperactive disorder on the effects of gymnastics on occupational performance

Abstract

Physical exercise is vastly researched with regards to the effects on whether symptoms of ADHD in children can be mitigated. However, when researched on specific sports, literature is lacking on Gymnastics and insufficient when researching perceptions of both parents and the children in question. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of children with ADHD and their parents on the effects of gymnastics on their occupational performance. A total of 8 participants; 4 children and their parents have been interviewed. The participants were asked two different sets of questions in two semi structured interviews in order to answer the research questions. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The results recognise that parents and children share similar perceptions pertaining to beneficial outcomes of the effects to gymnastics on their children’ s overall wellbeing and occupational performance namely relating to self-regulation, routine and social occupations. The outcome of this study facilitates and encourages the use of gymnastics in adjunction to standard therapeutic practices and medication.