Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDDs) like ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) affect about 15% of kids worldwide. These conditions often lead to challenges with learning, thinking, and social skills, which can make life harder for children and their families. While medications are often used as treatment, they can come with side effects and adherence issues, making non-drug options—such as neurodevelopmental exercises—more appealing.
A recent study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity highlights how physical activity (PA) can help improve cognitive skills in kids and teens with NDDs. The research, led by Ruiyuan Tao and team, compared different types of PA interventions, including neurodevelopmental exercises, to see how they affected attention, memory, and problem-solving skills.
In this post, we’ll break down the findings and explore how the Hope Focus System (HFS) offers an exciting approach to helping kids thrive.
Why Physical Activity?
We all know that exercise is good for the body, but it’s also great for the brain—especially for kids with NDDs. Incorporating neurodevelopmental exercises into physical activity not only helps improve thinking and learning skills but also boosts overall health. Unlike medications, PA interventions have little to no side effects, are budget-friendly, and can be made accessible to more kids.
What the Study Found
The researchers reviewed 31 studies involving 1,403 kids aged 5–17 years. They looked at four types of physical activity:
Aerobic Exercise (AE): Activities like running, cycling, or brisk walking that improve heart and lung fitness.
Exergaming: Video games that combine movement and play, like those on Nintendo Wii or Xbox Kinect.
Mind-Body Exercise (MBE): Exercises like yoga, tai chi, or qigong that blend movement, stretching, and calmness.
Multi-Component Physical Activity (MPA): A mix of activities (e.g., team sports or racket games) that combine aerobic and skill-building exercises, which can also include neurodevelopmental exercises.
Cognitive Benefits
The study showed that different activities impacted cognitive skills in different ways:
Mind-Body Exercise (MBE): Made the biggest improvements in attention (SMD=1.91) and problem-solving skills (SMD=0.92). MBE was especially great for improving focus.
Exergaming: Helped across all areas—attention (SMD=1.58), memory (SMD=0.97), and problem-solving (SMD=0.94).
Multi-Component Physical Activity (MPA): Consistently boosted memory and problem-solving skills across various NDD groups and often involved neurodevelopmental exercises to enhance cognitive function.
Aerobic Exercise (AE): Surprisingly, it didn’t show much impact on cognitive skills, though it’s still great for overall physical health.
The study also noted that what works best often depends on the specific type of NDD. For example, exergaming wasn’t as effective for attention and memory in kids with ADHD, but MPA showed steady benefits for both ADHD and ASD.
Kids’ Willingness to Participate
The researchers also looked at how well kids stuck to the programs. Mind-body exercises, exergaming, and multi-component activities were all well-tolerated, with no major differences in how often kids completed the interventions.
How HFS Fits with the Research
The HFS program aligns perfectly with the study’s findings:
Movement-Based Therapy: Mirrors the benefits of MBE and MPA, helping kids improve attention, memory, and problem-solving.
Music Listening Therapy: Adds an extra layer of auditory stimulation, similar to the cognitive engagement seen in exergaming.
Strength-Based Relationships: Encourages kids to stick with the program and feel empowered, making it easier for them to achieve their goals.
What This Means for Families and Educators
These findings, along with the innovative HFS approach, provide practical tools for caregivers, teachers, and healthcare providers:
Personalized Plans: Every child is unique, and programs like HFS show the importance of tailoring interventions to fit their needs.
Engaging Activities: The mix of movement and music in HFS highlights the value of making therapy fun and interactive.
Whole-Child Focus: Combining HFS with other non-drug strategies can create even better outcomes.
Looking Ahead with Innovation
For parents and educators seeking safe, effective ways to help kids with NDDs thrive, physical activity, neurodevelopmental exercises, and programs like HFS offer a bright path forward. Whether it’s a calming yoga session, an exciting exergaming experience, or a tailored HFS plan, these approaches can transform not only cognitive skills but also overall well-being.
References
Tao R, Yang Y, Wilson M, Chang JR, Liu C, Sit CHP. Comparative effectiveness of physical activity interventions on cognitive functions in children and adolescents with Neurodevelopmental Disorders: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act. 2025;22:6. DOI: 10.1186/s12966-024-01702-7.