Effect of Submaximal Endurance Training on Serum Concentration of Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor and Attention Function in Boys with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD)

Abstract Background: The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of substructural exercises on serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and attention function in boys with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Materials and Methods: The research method was semi-experimental with pre-test and post-test design with control group. Statistical population of this research included all elementary male students who in the early reviews, the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder were diagnosed and referred for further study and treatment to the core of counseling and psychology of education in Sardar district in academic year 2016-2017. From the above community, 30 boys aged 7 to 12 years old were selected as the sample and randomly assigned to control and experimental groups. In order to recognize the attention deficit, the Conners' Parent's Questionnaire and clinical interview were used and to measure attention, Continuous Performance Test (CPT) and to measure the serum levels of BDNF, ESTOBIOPHARM kit were used. The experimental group subjects performed aerobic exercises with intensity 45-75% of maximal heart rate for 12 weeks in 36 sessions of training, 25-75 minutes, and data were analyzed using multivariate covariance. Results: The results showed that there was a significant difference between control and experimental groups in serum levels of BDNF and continuous attention function (p<0.001). Conclusion: Regarding the results of this study, it can be concluded that endurance training increases the BDNF and thus improves attention in boy with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)