PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AS A RISK REDUCTION FACTOR FOR ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER IN CHILDREN

Abstract

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is an example of minimal brain dysfunction, but brings with it, however, by no means minimal problems. The clinical syndrome, characterized by impulsive behavior, excessive motor activity, impaired concentration, leads to significant difficulties in the upbringing and education of children. This syndrome is extremely common among modern children, its occurrence is influenced by the modern pace of life, modern features of life — the share of gadgets in the leisure of the younger generation is increasing, it is decreasing up to the lack of physical activity, the employment of parents at work provokes a lack of time for their own children, and therefore they are left to themselves throughout the day. An increasing number of both young children and primary school teenagers are engaged in sports sections, preferring a simpler and less energy-consuming pastime. But physical activity has a beneficial effect on the nervous and mental processes of a growing organism, increases resistance to stressful situations that children may encounter, for example, at school. We analyzed several groups of children ranked by age and levels of physical activity, assessed their mental status, assessed the relationship between the level of physical activity and the occurrence of the first behavioral abnormalities. The following criteria were taken as indicators: attention and its stability, sleep quality, social behavior skills, mood and behavior characteristics. As a result, we made the following conclusion: physical education from an early age minimizes the risks of ADHD in children or improves the cognitive and emotional spheres of life, regulates them in a positive trend.