The Impact of ADHD on Sports and Exercise by Jeff Copper, ADHD & Attention Coach 2018 DIG Coaching Practice LLC. All rights reserved. www.digcoaching.com The Impact of ADHD on Sports and Exercise Copyright DIG Coaching Practice LLC, Tampa FL USA. All rights reserved. Copyright DIG Coaching Practice LLC, Tampa FL USA. All rights reserved. Jeff Copper Disclosures Is Exercise the Wonder Drug? Host Attention Talk Radio Attention Talk Video Advertisers on Attention Talk Network Shire Pharmaceutical The ADD Coach Academy The Edge Foundation Time Timer Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) Hey, You! Brain Train ADHD Editorial Positions Member, Attention Magazine Editorial Committee Editor, Attention Talk News Our Goal! To get the impact of ADHD on exercise and sports so you can leverage, more clearly, the power of using exercise in your treatment program. Our Agenda ADHD, treatment, biology, the impact of exercise Benefits, obstacles, politics around exercise and sports Psychoexerciseologist 1
What is ADHD? Consensus Treatments Physical Brain Self-Care Psychopharmacology Mindful Brain Education Cognitive and Behavioral Interventions Attentional Blindness Attentional Blindness https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahg6qcgoay4 Awareness Test Do the Test. www.dothetest.co.uk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahg6qcgoay4 Awareness Test Do the Test. www.dothetest.co.uk The Rodney Dangerfield Rx Research Motor Function 2
Physical Benefits of Exercise Improves blood flow Increases muscle strength, flexibility, and joint mobility Strengthens the immune system Builds and maintains bone density Helps maintain healthy weight Positively impacts heart disease and Type 2 diabetes Psychological Benefits of Exercise Produces a Positive Mental State Better moods Less depression Reduced stress and anxiety Releases Endorphins Natural pain reliever and antidepressant in the body Can Promote Self-Esteem For gifted athletes Less apt to be overweight Augments the individual s sex appeal or body image Mitigates Sleep Disorders Improved Executive Functioning Increases blood flow Elicits a protein that raises the base levels of dopamine and norepinephrine Improves learning and cognitive functioning Benefits of Sports Psychological Is fun and entertaining Fights against boredom Socialization - increased opportunity to interact with others Forming peer relationships Teamwork working with others Sportsmanship fair play and learning Culture We Get to Play! Failing forward degree at the school of hard knocks (application of knowledge) Mental exercising Attentional Blinders Obstacles Challenges Politics The Devil is in the Details 3
Brain Games Behind Desk Brain Games Behind Desk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cw8uitqtiwa The Switcheroo: Pay Attention Game #3 2011 National Geographic. All rights reserved. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cw8uitqtiwa The Switcheroo: Pay Attention Game #3 2011 National Geographic. All rights reserved. Exercise is Boring Exercise: Social or Stimulation Environment, Environment, Environment! St. Pete Bike Club 4
Motivation Challenges Boring Competition from simulated sports Need for organization (play dates) Natural Motivators To be sociable To win! Object of attention The cute girl Endorphin buzz Pressure (and Competition) The Nature of Pressure Different Reactions Some thrive on an adrenaline rush Others are paralyzed Real Life Coaches want more earlier. Mind ready? Body ready? Pressure & Sports in Context Learning Disabilities Individual sports Team sports Non-competitive sports Other factors to consider Issues Complicated plays Strategies Coaches expect more Modalities Thoughts Focus on more automatic or instinctive sports Get a tutor Commitments & Level of Participation Developmental Recreational Competitive Travel local Travel national Self-Esteem Gifted vs. non-gifted athletes Realities of today More kids getting cut earlier (dropping out age 13) negative experience Want more earlier Bigger Faster 5
Attention to Detail Bunt Solution Attention exercises Rituals and routines Dehydration Stimulants dehydrate you Suppress the urge to drink Burdens executive functions Benefits of Stimulants Adderal: The Drug of Choice Richard Sherman AJ Allmendinger Stimulants are Banned Substances Psychoexerciseology (Psycho-Exercise-Ology) The exercise health provider Mixing your exercise cocktail 6
How much should you exercise? What type of exercise is best? What Sport or Exercise is Right for You? The formula The equation The cocktail Characteristics to Consider What fits your personality Natural athletic ability Level of self-esteem Individual, team or non-competitive Level of structure Presence of learning disabilities Need for accommodations Need for disclosure Measurement Pressure Level of competition Culture of sport Level of social interaction Individual Tennis Golf Ping Pong BMX Riding Trail Riding Biking Frisbee Golf Triathlons Trampoline Sailing Context? Ideas Please! Individual On Team Swimming Track Cross Country Gymnastics Racquetball Band Wrestling Fencing Diving Trampoline Horseback Riding Dog Agility Training Team Football Basketball Baseball Soccer (3v3) Lacrosse Hockey Ultimate Frisbee Cheerleading Synchronized Swimming Non- Competitive Surfing Yoga Martial Arts Skateboarding Dancing Cycling Frisbee Golf Soccer Referee General Exercise Chopping Wood Shoveling Snow Snow Skiing Canoeing Moving Weightlifting Hiking Backpacking Skating Roller Blading Juggling Working with the Exercise Health Provider/Instructor Perspective Intentions Likely a volunteer Knowledge of ADHD Knowledge of accommodations Past experience working with those with ADHD Doesn t have a parent s perspective Keys of Exercise Health Providers/Instructors Practice Have minimal downtime to reduce boredom Changes drill patterns Change field positions (ADHD is an active position) Multiple practice stations Game Keep everyone active and involved in the game Give ADHD a coach assistant job Final Thoughts Handicapping Make exercise secondary 7
Today, We. THE Key Takeaway! ADHD, treatment, biology, the impact of exercise Benefits, obstacles, politics around exercise and sports Psychoexerciseologist Insights & Observations Questions? DIG Coaching Practice, LLC Join the DIG Coaching community at www.digcoaching.com 8