Relationship between Health-Related Quality of Life and Physical Activity in Children with Hyperactivity

Abstract

The main purpose of this paper was to evaluate the relationship between health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and the frequency of physical activity in Spanish children aged 8 to 14 years with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Sample selection was performed using the data obtained from the children’s questionnaire of the National Health Survey of Spain 2017 that is carried out with the children’s parents, and that had an initial size of 6106 participants. After the application of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the sample size was reduced to 496 subjects. Results show significant differences between the different levels of physical activity frequency, as well as a positive correlation of the average between HRQoL and ADHD. In conclusion, the practice of physical activity may contribute to the improvement of HRQoL in children with ADHD, possibly achieving greater benefits at higher levels of physical activity practice.

Physical Activity Improves Mental Health in Children and Adolescents Irrespective of the Diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)—A Multi-Wave Analysis Using Data from the KiGGS Study

“…It seems that the intensity and frequency of PA are two important factors in order to produce a positive effect on mental health. Moreover, other studies have reported that a higher level of PA is associated with better mental health [ 1 , 3 , 8 , 24 , 25 , 46 , 47 , 48 ]. For example, children who were physically active 1–3 or ≥4 times per week had a lower rate of internalizing and externalizing disorders in comparison to those who were never active [ 24 ].…”

“…In another study it has been reported that the more frequent and intense exercise was associated with better self-regulation, emotional ability, and decreased hyperactivity and impulsivity in children [ 8 ]. Gallego-Méndez et al reported that as the frequency of PA increased, ADHD children showed better scores in health-related quality of life [ 3 ]. In a systematic review of exercise intervention in children and adolescents with ADHD, it was demonstrated that at least parents or teachers reported considerable positive effects of exercise on ADHD in studies evaluating the long-term effects of exercise [ 46 ].…”

“…In contrast, physical inactivity may have negative consequences for individuals, family, and the community, directly and indirectly increasing costs to the healthcare system [ 1 ]. Several reports have shown that PA not only improves physical health but also may have a positive impact on mental health problems, well-being, and quality of life [ 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. Although the number of studies investigating PA and mental illness in adults is increasing [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ], results pertaining to this relationship in children and adolescents are mixed and even scarce.…”

A Mixed Methods Research Study of Parental Perception of Physical Activity and Quality of Life of Children Under Home Lock Down in the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…For this reason, evaluation that focuses on the relationships between physical activity and health-related quality of life is an important focus of research in this field. On the other hand, there is little research aimed at exploring parents’ knowledge and perceptions of their children’s physical activity, their ideas about its importance and impact on the way they experience diverse dimensions of a stressful life ( Gallego-Méndez et al, 2020 ; Spinelli et al, 2020 ; Yarımkaya and Esentürk, 2020 ) particularly during the Coronavirus outbreak. Exploring these issues, including the different perspectives of persons involved in families’ life ( Izquierdo-Sotorrío et al, 2016 ), could help provide recommendations and support programs for parents to guide their children’s physical activity.…”

A subjective sense of the quality of life in adolescents from the Świętokrzyskie Voivodship

“…The Spanish National Health Survey is a series of studies that have been the main source of information on the perceived health of the population living in Spain. Gallego-Méndez et al [37] assessed the relationship between HRQOL using the National Health Survey of Spain (Encuesta Nacional de Salud de España 2017 -ENSE 2017) questionnaire and the frequency of physical activity in Spanish children aged 8-14 years with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They showed significant differences between different levels of physical activity frequency, as well end contained the following dimensions: mental well-being, physical health, social relations and the environment.…”