| Abstract: | Background: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is acommon pediatric psychiatric disorder. Although mindful exercises (Yoga andTai Chi) have been increasingly accepted as alternative medicine for ADHD,no meta-analytic review has been conducted on this topic. Objective: We systematically and critically evaluated the existing literature regarding the effects of thetwo most widely practiced mindful exercises on ADHD symptoms and social problems in children and adolescents with ADHD. Methods: Searching literaturedatabases included PubMed, Web of Science, Scope, China National KnowledgeInfrastructure and Wanfang. Only randomized controlled trials (RCT) and nonrandomized controlled studies (NRS) that investigated the beneficial effects ofYoga and/or Tai Chi for ADHD were included in this review. Two review authorsindependently performed literature search, data extraction, and study qualityassessment. Based on the random-effect model, standardized mean difference(SMD) reflects magnitude of mindful exercises was calculated. Results: Seveneligible studies (5 RCTs and 2 NRS) were included for meta-analysis. As compared to control groups, mindful exercises showed significant positive effectson attention (SMD = 0.93, 95% CI 0.39 to 1.48, p < 0.001, I2 = 36%), hyperactivity/impulsivity (SMD = 0.93, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.34, p < 0.001, I2 = 60.17%),overall symptoms of ADHD (SMD = 0.84, 95% CI 0.3 to 1.38, p < 0.05,I2 = 54.61%), and social problems (SMD = 0.49, 95% CI −0.01 to 0.98,p < 0.05, I2 = 0%). Conclusions: Yoga and Tai Chi may have the potential toalleviate the symptoms and social problems among children and adolescents withADHD. More robust studies with large sample sizes are needed to validate resultsof the present meta-analytical review. |
