How Smart-Tracked Physical Activity Helps Executive Function in Kids

As we continue our October spotlight on ADHD, we’re focusing this week on something that many families overlook as a therapeutic tool: physical activity. A 2025 study by Liwen Lin, Nan Li, and Shuchen Zhao takes this idea one step further — combining exercise with smart monitoring — and the results are worth a closer look.

For international families raising children with ADHD, especially in cultures where medication is either discouraged or difficult to access, non-drug treatments can be incredibly valuable. This new research adds to a growing body of evidence that targeted physical activity can support cognitive and motor development in children with ADHD.

What Was the Study About?

The research focused on executive function — the mental skills that help children manage tasks, control impulses, remember instructions, and shift between activities. Kids with ADHD often struggle in these areas, which impacts both school and social life.

Researchers wanted to see if different types of physical activity (PA)could make a difference.

Three groups of children with ADHD participated in a 12-week program:

1. EG1: A skill-based exercise group (e.g., structured motor skill training)

2. EG2: A low-demand activity group (light, non-targeted movement)

3. CG: A control group with no specific intervention

Smart devices tracked each child's activity levels, ensuring consistent participation and providing objective feedback.

What Did They Find?

✅ EG1 (Skill Training Group) showed the most significant gains — a 15% improvement in working memory, better performance on motor tasks, and strong engagement throughout the 12 weeks.

⚠️ EG2 (light movement) and CG (no exercise) showed smaller, less consistent changes.

💡 The researchers noted:

• Short-term exercise helps with motor performance (e.g., hand-eye coordination)

• Long-term activity is key for deeper skills like working memory and balance

• Intelligent monitoring (via smart devices) was crucial for tracking and maintaining progress

Why This Matters for Global Families

If your family is navigating ADHD care across different countries or education systems, structured physical activity — monitored and adjusted over time — can be a flexible, low-cost, and empowering strategy.

It’s particularly helpful for:

• Families looking for non-pharmacological options

• Children who respond well to movement-based learning

• Cultures where access to ADHD specialists is limited

Plus, smart tracking can be done through wearables or mobile apps, many of which are available globally.

How Can You Use This at Home?

While this study was conducted in a controlled setting, the core takeaway is simple:

🔹 Skill-focused activities like martial arts, dance, gymnastics, or team sports can help develop executive function

🔹Consistencyis key — benefits show up most clearly after several weeks

🔹Monitoring(even informal tracking by parents or teachers) increases success

You don’t need high-end tech to get started. Use a smartwatch, a movement app, or a good old-fashioned journal to track routines and progress.

The Bigger Picture

When combined with other supports — like serious games, therapy, or educational accommodations — physical activity can be part of a well-rounded care plan for ADHD. It’s also something the whole family can do together, helping reduce stress and build positive habits.

This study reinforces what many parents already sense: kids with ADHD need to move — and with the right kind of movement, they can thrive.

Reference:

Lin, L., Li, N., & Zhao, S. (2025).The Effect of Intelligent Monitoring of Physical Exercise on Executive Function in Children with ADHD. Alexandria Engineering Journal, 122, 355–363.

Stay tuned throughout October as we explore more evidence-based strategies to support your child’s development — no matter where in the world you're parenting.

If you’re interested in building a physical activity routine tailored to your child’s needs, our team at Baumgarten Child Psychology and More is here to help guide you.