Description/Abstract
Children and adolescents with ADHD are more likely to exhibit difficulties in school, have higher rates of injuries and accidents and more family conflicts, and are at higher risk of depression and anxiety. Given the prevalence of ADHD and associated difficulties, there is a substantial need for effective ADHD treatment and symptom management. This brief summarizes findings from a recently completed pilot study testing the efficacy of behavioral interventions aimed at encouraging daily physical activity (i.e., steps measured with an activity tracker) among adolescents with ADHD in the Syracuse, NY area between March 2023 and June 2024. Results show that adolescents receiving frequent text reminders and small monetary rewards were more likely to achieve a daily 10,000-step physical activity goal and were more likely to engage in physical activity with their parents.
Document Type
Research Brief
Keywords
ADHD, behavioral science, adolescents
Disciplines
Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration | Public Health | Social and Behavioral Sciences
Date
2-4-2025
Language
English
Acknowledgements
The authors thank Alyssa Kirk and Shannon Monnat for their edits on a previous version of this brief. This research was supported by a Syracuse University Collaboration for Unprecedented Success and Excellence (CUSE) Grant and a Lerner Center for Public Health Promotion Faculty Fellow Grant.
Recommended Citation
Patnaik, Hannah, London, Andrew S., and Antshel, Kevin M. (2025). Behavioral Science-Based “Nudges” Could Increase Physical Activity among Adolescents with ADHD. Lerner Center Population Health Research Brief Series. Research Brief #127. Accessed at: https://doi.org/10.14305/rt.lerner.2025.4.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.