Don't stop me now: Exercise for ADHD

Don't Stop Me Now was released by the rock band Queen on January 26, 1979 and was a single off their Jazz album. The song was written by their lead singer, Freddie Mercury, and was featured on their greatest hits' album. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001. Interestingly, this song is listed in the top ten best songs to motivate one to exercise. Can exercise help in the management of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults? It is estimated that 15.5 million (6%) of adults have a current diagnosis of ADHD within the United States. Of these adults, 44.1% were diagnosed before the age of 18 years and 55.9% were recognized as having ADHD after the age of 18. Only 36.5% do not receive treatment, while the other 63.5% are treated with either medications, counseling, or both. A research study by The Ohio State University indicated another 25% of adults think they may have ADHD, but have never been diagnosed. Standard therapy for ADHD in adults involves medications and counseling. Counseling can include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or behavioral coaching and strategies. Most published studies indicate a combination of medication and counseling are usually the best in managing adult ADHD. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms start with lack of attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, and can lead to cardiovascular disease and other mental health conditions. Adults with ADHD can experience a reduced quality of life and struggle in social and professional settings. While medications can help, there is still a need for complementary strategies to target both symptoms and overall health. A structured exercise program may offer a promising solution. The START study looked at 63 adults over a 3-year period from 2021 to 2024, and found that adding physical exercise to standard care significantly improved ADHD symptoms. The study was published in the medical journal Frontiers in Psychiatry on October 29, 2025. The researchers and participants were from Sweden. Upon initial screening for a diagnosis of ADHD, 47 people refused to participate in the study due to the exercise component. Of the 63 that volunteered for the study, 43 were assigned to the exercise group and 20 were given standard therapy with no structured exercise involved. The structured exercise program provided 150 minutes of exercise each week based on the current recommendations from the World Health Organization. The study authors reported that even a single exercise session was shown to provide immediate benefits in functioning. Researchers discovered a structured program combining aerobic, strength, and flexibility training leads to reduced symptoms, increased quality of life, and prevention of chronic diseases. The authors concluded that exercise could be a good complement to existing therapies for adults with ADHD. Exercise would not replace medications or counseling, but would be an add-on benefit. For adults looking to use exercise as a tool to support focus and daily functioning, aim to include endurance, strength, and flexibility training in your weekly routine. A good goal is 150 minutes of exercise per week, which can be broken down into five 30-minute sessions. Endurance exercises include walking, running, cycling, or swimming. Strength training can involve squats, lunges, push-ups, or resistance exercises. Flexibility exercises can be as simple as reaching for your toes or practicing yoga. Even one session of any of these trainings can provide an improvement in focus and mental clarity. Exercise is not a replacement for medications, but can enhance their effectiveness. If you experience dizziness, chest pain, or unusual fatigue while working out, stop and take a break. Focus on consistency rather than intensity when starting, and remember to stay hydrated. By moving your body regularly, you may notice your attention and productivity improve, one step at a time. A good idea is to check with your healthcare provider before starting any intense exercise. Don't stop me now because I am focusing! ONU HealthWise does offer the shingles vaccine along with RSV, flu, COVID-19 and other vaccinations. The pharmacy is open at 9 AM and closes at 6 PM weekdays, while also closing for lunch from 1-2 PM. Saturdays they are open 10 AM - 2 PM. Please call for more information. Abby Howard is a student pharmacist and Karen Kier is a pharmacist, both on behalf of the ONU HealthWise team.