Boys are not affected by these beneficial effects of sport in childhood.
Sport is health, whatever the age! A study, published in preventive medicine, shows that girls, aged 6 to 10, who practice sports outside of school are less affected by attention deficit disorder (ADHD) in early adolescence, compared to young people girls who exercise less. ADHD is manifested by three symptoms: motor hyperactivity, impulsivity and attention deficit. These disorders often interfere with children’s education and development. Researchers from the University of Montreal are interested in the benefits of sport on this pathology.
Long-term beneficial effects
They examined the data of a cohort of children born between 1997 and 1998, from the Longitudinal Study of the Development of Children in Quebec, conducted by the Quebec Institute of Statistics. A total of 991 girls and 1006 boys were retained for the analysis. Two elements were studied: their practice, or not, of an extracurricular physical activity between 6 and 10 years old and their school behavior at 12 years old. “We weren’t sure how much structured physical activity could benefit children with ADHD symptoms.”, says one of the authors of the study, Linda Pagani. If girls benefit from practicing a sport between the ages of 6 and 10, this is not the case for boys. “Earlier diagnosis and treatment in boys during middle childhood may reduce the detectable positive effects of sport.” Guess Linda Pagani.
Tools for the future
She reminds us that sport forces children to concentrate but also to develop specific skills and to establish relationships with other children and adults. “In public health terms, out-of-school sport can be a positive, non-stigmatizing and empowering way to promote psychological well-being and, therefore, be considered behavioral therapy for young people with ADHD.”, adds the scientist. For her, group sport in childhood is not only beneficial against ADHD, it can also be a tool for the development of young girls. “Sports activities in early childhood can help girls develop essential social skills that will serve them later and ultimately play a key role in their personal, financial and economic success.”she concludes.
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