Background
Emotional dysregulation (ED) represents a burden for individuals with ADHD. Physical activity (PA) is associated with improvements in emotion regulation, but knowledge is limited regarding its role in ED in the context of ADHD. This study aimed to increase understanding of the association between ADHD and ED and to explore the role of PA. Identifying modifiable risk factors could aid the design of future interventions.
Results
12,094 children (52 % girls) were included. A positive association between ADHD symptoms and ED remained significant after adjusting for mental comorbidities and unmeasured family-shared confounders (β = 0.07, 95% CI 0.02–0.12 in boys; β = 0.09, 95% CI 0.02–0.16 in girls). The association was driven by inattention in boys but combined symptoms in girls. The association remained in all strata of PA. A significant interaction between PA frequency and ADHD symptoms was observed among boys (p = 0.02).
Limitations
Results were based on parent-reported PA; findings might differ with sensor-based measurements.
Conclusion
Higher ADHD symptoms in childhood were associated with greater ED in adolescence in all PA levels. Low PA frequency intensified the association among boys.
Highlights