The Role of Physical Fitness in Enhancing Behavioral Regulation among Children with ADHD and Autism

Abstract

The present study examined the role of physical fitness in enhancing behavioral regulation among children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Despite extensive research on pharmacological and behavioral interventions, limited attention has been paid to the impact of structured physical fitness programs on self-regulation outcomes in neurodiverse populations. A total of 60 children (30 ADHD, 30 ASD; aged 8–12 years) were recruited and randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The intervention group participated in an eight-week structured fitness program consisting of aerobic, strength, and flexibility training, while the control group continued their usual routines. Pre- and post-tests assessed aerobic fitness, muscular strength, flexibility, and behavioral regulation using standardized protocols. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, two-way ANOVA, correlation matrices, and effect size calculations. Results demonstrated significant improvements in the intervention group across all fitness measures and behavioral regulation outcomes compared to controls. Two-way ANOVA indicated a robust main effect of intervention on behavioral regulation (F = 14.72, p < .001, η² = .21), with no significant diagnosis-by-condition interaction, suggesting comparable benefits for both ADHD and ASD groups. Correlation analyses revealed positive associations between fitness components and behavioral regulation, with aerobic fitness showing the strongest link (r = .62, p < .01). Effect size analysis further supported the practical significance of the findings, with large effects observed for aerobic fitness (d = 0.85) and behavioral regulation (d = 0.91). The study underscores the effectiveness of structured physical fitness programs as a cost-efficient, accessible, and transdiagnostic intervention for enhancing behavioral regulation in children with ADHD and ASD. The findings highlight shared neurocognitive pathways underlying the benefits of fitness on self-regulation, reinforcing the integration of exercise into educational and therapeutic contexts.