EFFECTS OF METHYLPHENIDATE IN THE MOTOR PERFORMANCE OF ADHD CHILDREN

  • Simeia Gaspar Palácio Unicesumar
  • Nayra Oliveira Ochi UNICESUMAR
  • Géssika Lorena Vieira UNICESUMAR
Keywords: Pharmacotherapy, Movement, Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder

Abstract

The influence of methylphenidate on the motor performance of children with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder is analyzed. Twenty-one children, aged 7 – 10 years, males and females, from three municipal schools in Maringá PR Brazil, clinically diagnosed with ADHD, were selected. They underwent two evaluations of motor development by the Movement Assessment Battery for Children at two different instances, with and without methylphenidate. Motor tests were undertaken in school and results were highly different. Scores in manual dexterity were not different with or without drugs; throwing and receiving ability showed a lowering in test when the drug was applied, with the inverse occurring in the case of equilibrium. Since the sample was small, more research is required to explore the dose-effects of the drug during different physical activities.

Author Biographies

Simeia Gaspar Palácio, Unicesumar
Departamento de Fisioterapia
Nayra Oliveira Ochi, UNICESUMAR
Departamento de Fisioterapia
Published
2016-06-14
Section
Artigos Originais