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Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)ADHD-HIIT-DTNCT07863362

Effects of HIIT and Dual-Task Training in Children With ADHD

A study testing High-Intensity Interval Training With Dual-Task Training in people with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Physiotherapy, run by Hasan Kalyoncu University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

This randomized controlled study evaluated the effects of an 8-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT)-based dual-task exercise program on attention, cognitive-motor performance, social adjustment, and quality of life in adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 13 to 17 years
What is being tested?
High-Intensity Interval Training With Dual-Task Training
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
30 participants
Where
1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
Study dates
8 Aug 2025to 8 Feb 2026
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 13 to 17 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Child

Who may be able to join

  • Those aged between 13 and 17,
  • Those with a diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) made by a child and adolescent psychiatrist,
  • Those without any health conditions that would prevent them from taking part in physical activity,
  • Those who have obtained parental consent and signed the voluntary participation form,
  • Those who are able to attend the exercise sessions regularly throughout the study

Who cannot join

  • Having a neurological or psychiatric diagnosis other than ADHD (e.g. autism, bipolar disorder),
  • Having a medical condition that restricts exercise, such as epilepsy or serious cardiovascular disease,
  • Having undergone a change in pharmacological treatment within the last three months,
  • Being unable to attend more than three sessions during the intervention process,
  • Failing to participate voluntarily in the study or withdrawing informed consent during the process.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
  • Clinic

    Kahramanmaraş, Kahramanmaraş

Other trials in Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Official title: The Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training and Dual-Task Training on Attention, Cognitive-Motor Performance, Social Adjustment, and Quality of Life in Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A 3-Month Follow-Up Study

This randomized controlled study evaluated the effects of an 8-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT)-based dual-task exercise program on attention, cognitive-motor performance, social adjustment, and quality of life in adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Thirty adolescents aged 13-17 years were randomized to an intervention group (n=15) or a control group (n=15). The intervention group completed 24 exercise sessions, performed three times per week for eight weeks, while the control group received no structured exercise program. Outcomes were assessed before the intervention, after the intervention, and at 3-month follow-up using the D2 Test of Attention, Stroop Test, BOT-2 Short Form, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, and Social Adjustment Scale.

Read the detailed description

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that begins in childhood and is characterised by symptoms such as reduced attention span, impulsive behaviour and excessive hyperactivity. These symptoms can have a negative impact on an individual's academic achievement, social relationships and overall quality of life. Whilst pharmacological approaches are generally preferred in the treatment of ADHD, interest in non-pharmacological interventions has been growing in recent years. Among these interventions, behavioural therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy, family training and exercise-based approaches are particularly prominent.

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is an exercise method involving the alternating performance of short bursts of high-intensity physical activity with periods of low-intensity recovery. This type of exercise is not only effective in improving cardiorespiratory endurance but can also have positive effects on attention and executive functions at the neurobiological level. On the other hand, dual-task training is an approach that requires the individual to perform both motor and cognitive tasks simultaneously. This practice aims to enhance the ability to manage multiple tasks in daily life and measures performance under cognitive load.

Research has shown that YYAE and dual-task training have positive effects on attention, cognitive flexibility and motor coordination in individuals with ADHD. However, the effects of these interventions on broader psycho-social variables, such as social adaptation and quality of life, have been addressed only to a limited extent. Similarly, there are insufficient studies in the literature to determine whether the gains achieved are sustained in the long term.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of an exercise programme based on high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and dual-task (Dual Task) training on attention levels, cognitive-motor performance, social adaptation and quality of life, and to examine the sustainability of these effects 3 months later. The study will be conducted using a randomised controlled experimental design, with participants randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups using a sealed-envelope method. The intervention group will participate in the HIIT + Dual Task exercise programme three days a week for 8 weeks, whilst the control group will receive no intervention. Assessments will include pre-intervention, post-intervention and 3-month follow-up measurements.

Being tested
High-Intensity Interval Training With Dual-Task Training
Keywords
High-Intensity Interval Training, Dual-Task Training, Attention, Cognitive-Motor Performance, Social Adjustment, Quality of Life, Adolescents
Medical subject headings
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity, Social Adjustment

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • High-Intensity Interval Training With Dual-Task TrainingBehavioural

    An 8-week exercise program combining high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with dual-task exercises. Participants completed three supervised sessions per week for a total of 24 sessions. The program included interval-based high-intensity exercise together with simultaneous cognitive-motor tasks. Exercise intensity and task difficulty were progressed according to the study protocol.

Study groups in NCT07863362
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Intervention GroupExperimentalParticipants received an 8-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT)-based dual-task exercise program, three sessions per week, for a total of 24 sessions.
Receives: Behavioral: High-Intensity Interval Training With Dual-Task Training
Control GroupNo interventionParticipants did not receive a structured exercise intervention during the study period and continued their usual routine.

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Attention Performance Assessed by the D2 Test of Attention

    Attention performance was assessed using the D2 Test of Attention, which evaluates selective and sustained attention and processing performance. Changes in D2 test performance were evaluated across the study time points.

    Measured: Baseline, 8 weeks, and 3-month follow-up

  2. Strobe Test

    The Stroop Test is a psychological test widely used to assess attention, cognitive control and executive functions. First developed in 1935 by John Ridley Stroop, its validity and reliability in Turkish were established in 1999 by Karakaş et al.; it is a test model used specifically to assess attention processes, selective attention, cognitive flexibility and response inhibition. The Stroop Test measures an individual's ability to suppress an automatic response (for example, reading the written word) in order to perform a more difficult task (naming the colour of the word).

    Measured: Baseline, 8 weeks, and 3-month follow-up

  3. Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency

    This test was developed by Robert H. Bruininks to comprehensively assess the motor development levels of individuals aged between 4 and 21. The adaptation to Turkey and the validity and reliability studies were carried out by Hürmeriç Altunsöz, Kahraman and Gürpınar, and the test was found to have high internal consistency (Cronbach's α > 0.80). The BOT-2 comprises eight subtests: fine motor sensitivity, fine motor integration, manual dexterity, body coordination, balance, strength, agility and upper body coordination. Each subtest includes various tasks, and scoring is based on task performance. The raw scores obtained are expressed as standardised scores and percentile ranks. Low scores indicate deficits in motor coordination or developmental delays, whilst high scores indicate adequate cognitive-motor performance. .

    Measured: Baseline, 8 weeks, and 3-month follow-up

Secondary outcomes (2)
  1. Social Adaptation and Skills Scale

    This scale was developed to assess children's behaviours such as adaptation to their social environment, establishing and maintaining social relationships, aggression and altruism. Behaviours relating to social skills are scored using Likert-type statements; the scale comprises subdimensions such as cooperation, communication and self-control. The scores obtained from each subdimension contribute to the total social adjustment score. High scores indicate that the child has adequate social skills, whilst low scores suggest that there may be problems with social adjustment.

    Measured: Baseline, 8 weeks, and 3-month follow-up

  2. Quality of Life Scale for Children (PedsQOL)

    The scale consists of both child and parent assessment forms and assesses four sub-dimensions: physical functioning, social functioning, school life and emotional well-being. Comprising 5-point Likert-type questions, the scale measures the child's quality of life based on their experiences over the past week. Scores for each sub-scale are rated on a scale of 0-100. Higher scores indicate a better quality of life, whilst lower scores suggest difficulties in the relevant area. The parent and child forms are assessed separately, allowing results to be obtained from different perspectives.

    Measured: Baseline, 8 weeks, and 3-month follow-up

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted7 Oct 2026
  2. Study start8 Aug 2025
  3. Primary completion8 Nov 2025
  4. Study completion8 Feb 2026

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
Participants were randomly assigned in parallel to an intervention group or a control group.
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
30 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07863362
Sponsor's protocol ID
2025/094
Acronym
ADHD-HIIT-DT
Status last verified
Sep 2026
First submitted
2 Oct 2026
Last updated
7 Oct 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Clemente-Suarez VJ, Martin-Rodriguez A, Curiel-Regueros A, Rubio-Zarapuz A, Tornero-Aguilera JF. Neuro-Nutrition and Exercise Synergy: Exploring the Bioengineering of Cognitive Enhancement and Mental Health Optimization. Bioengineering (Basel). 2025 Feb 19;12(2):208. doi: 10.3390/bioengineering12020208.

    PubMed 40001727
  • Hsieh SS, Chueh TY, Huang CJ, Kao SC, Hillman CH, Chang YK, Hung TM. Systematic review of the acute and chronic effects of high-intensity interval training on executive function across the lifespan. J Sports Sci. 2021 Jan;39(1):10-22. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2020.1803630. Epub 2020 Aug 11.

    PubMed 32780634
  • Moreau D, Chou E. The Acute Effect of High-Intensity Exercise on Executive Function: A Meta-Analysis. Perspect Psychol Sci. 2019 Sep;14(5):734-764. doi: 10.1177/1745691619850568. Epub 2019 Jul 31.

    PubMed 31365839
  • Cerrillo-Urbina AJ, Garcia-Hermoso A, Sanchez-Lopez M, Pardo-Guijarro MJ, Santos Gomez JL, Martinez-Vizcaino V. The effects of physical exercise in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials. Child Care Health Dev. 2015 Nov;41(6):779-88. doi: 10.1111/cch.12255. Epub 2015 May 18.

    PubMed 25988743
  • Chang YK, Liu S, Yu HH, Lee YH. Effect of acute exercise on executive function in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Arch Clin Neuropsychol. 2012 Mar;27(2):225-37. doi: 10.1093/arclin/acr094. Epub 2012 Feb 3.

    PubMed 22306962
  • Fang Y, Sun F, Wang Z, Yang Y, Lau M, Huang K, Yeung MK, Kranz GS, Chan CCH. Cognitively combined/engaged physical activity for the executive function, symptomology, and motor competence of children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Res Dev Disabil. 2024 Dec;155:104880. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2024.104880. Epub 2024 Nov 16.

    PubMed 39550802

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing High-Intensity Interval Training With Dual-Task Training in people with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Physiotherapy, run by Hasan Kalyoncu University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 7 Oct 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Attention Performance Assessed by the D2 Test of Attention (time frame: Baseline, 8 weeks, and 3-month follow-up). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07863362, which also lists 6 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 7 Oct 2026.

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