Search
Search Results
-
Association between ADHD symptom severity and motor activity in preschool children: A cross-sectional study
Adnan Faris Naufal1, Chevanya Diva Titania Davinci2, Anida Azkia Fitri31. Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Science, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta , ID2. Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Science, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta , ID3. Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Science, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta , ID2026-08-24|page 220-232AbstractBackground: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Objective measurement of motor activity may complement parent-reported assessment of ADHD symptoms.
Objectives: This study aimed to examine the association between ADHD Rating Scale-5 scores and step counts, used as an objective indicator of motor activity, among children aged 4–6 years.
Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 110 children aged 4–6 years selected through purposive sampling. ADHD symptoms were assessed using the parent-completed ADHD Rating Scale-5, while step counts were measured using a digital pedometer during a 15-minute school recess. Data normality was assessed using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. Pearson's product–moment correlation was used to examine the association between total ADHD Rating Scale-5 scores and step counts, whereas Spearman's rank correlation was used for the Inattention and Hyperactivity–Impulsivity domain scores.
Results: Total ADHD Rating Scale-5 scores showed a very strong positive correlation with step counts (r = .865, p < .001). At the domain level, Inattention scores showed a strong positive correlation with step counts (ρ = .756, p < .001), while Hyperactivity–Impulsivity scores showed a very strong positive correlation (ρ = .818, p < .001).
Conclusions: Higher ADHD symptom scores were strongly associated with higher motor activity, as indicated by step counts, among preschool children. Step-count measurement may provide a simple objective measure that complements parent-reported assessment of ADHD symptoms; however, it should not be interpreted as a diagnostic measure for ADHD.
APA Citation StyleNaufal, A. F. , Davinci, C. D. T. , & Fitri, A. A. (2026). Association between ADHD symptom severity and motor activity in preschool children: A cross-sectional study. Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research, 220-232. https://doi.org/10.56003/pessr.v5i2.777 -
Association between SDQ-TR-assessed hyperactivity symptoms and step count during school activities in school-aged children
Najwa Citamajida1, Adnan Faris Naufal21. Faculty of Health Science, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta , ID2. Faculty of Health Science, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta , ID2026-09-07|page 264-275AbstractBackground: Hyperactivity is a core symptom of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and may manifest as increased motor activity. Objectively measured step count may provide information about ambulatory movement associated with hyperactivity symptoms, while developmental differences may also influence movement patterns in children.
Objective: To examine the association between hyperactivity symptom severity and step count during school activities and to compare step count and hyperactivity scores between children aged 5 and 12 years.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included 40 children (20 males and 20 females) aged 5 and 12 years from two schools in Surakarta, Indonesia, recruited using total sampling. Hyperactivity symptoms were assessed using the hyperactivity/inattention subscale of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire Teacher Report (SDQ-TR), while step count was objectively measured using a Maxfit pedometer during one school day. Spearman's rank correlation, independent-samples t-tests, and Mann–Whitney U tests were used for statistical analysis.
Results: Hyperactivity scores were strongly and positively correlated with step count (rₛ = 0.918, p < 0.001). Step count differed significantly between the age groups (p = 0.041), with higher values observed among 5-year-old children than among 12-year-old children. In contrast, hyperactivity scores did not differ significantly between the two age groups (p = 0.701).
Conclusion: Higher hyperactivity symptom severity was associated with greater step count during school activities. Step count differed between the two age groups, whereas hyperactivity scores did not. These findings suggest that objectively measured ambulatory movement and hyperactivity symptoms may capture related but developmentally distinct aspects of children's behaviour.
APA Citation StyleCitamajida, N. , & Naufal, A. F. (2026). Association between SDQ-TR-assessed hyperactivity symptoms and step count during school activities in school-aged children. Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research, 264-275. https://journal.rezkimedia.or.id/pes/article/view/778












