Effects of a Combined Physical Activity and Hypnosis-Based Mindfulness Intervention on ADHD Symptoms, Perceptual-Motor Abilities, and Balance in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Background: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most prevalent behavioral disorder in children. Physical activity (PA) and hypnosis-based mindfulness training (HBMT) have both been proposed as complementary approaches in the management of ADHD. The present study examined the effects of a combined PA and HBMT intervention on ADHD symptoms, perceptual-motor abilities, and balance in children with ADHD. Methods: The sample comprised 20 participants in the experimental group (EG) and 19 in the control group (CG). All participants were boys diagnosed with ADHD, aged 8–11 years. The intervention in the EG included PA and HBMT, whereas the CG received unsystematic education about emotions. The program was conducted twice weekly for 60 min over a period of three months. The severity of ADHD symptoms was assessed using the ASEBA TRF/6–18 questionnaires. Perceptual-motor abilities were evaluated using the Test of Perceptual-Motor Skills. Static balance was measured using a tensiometric force platform, and dynamic balance was assessed with the Biodex Balance System. For variables in which no statistically significant baseline differences between groups were observed, intervention effects were analyzed using a two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). For variables showing statistically significant baseline differences, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was applied to examine the influence of initial intergroup differences on post-intervention outcomes, as well as on follow-up assessments conducted three and six months after the completion of the intervention. Results: Participants in the EG demonstrated significant short-term and long-term reductions in ADHD symptom severity. In addition, improvements were observed in perceptual-motor abilities and dynamic balance, while static balance improved immediately following the intervention. Conclusions: The findings suggest that a structured program combining physical activity and hypnosis-based mindfulness may represent a promising complementary intervention for children with ADHD. However, larger randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings and further evaluate their long-term clinical relevance.