Background: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by developmentally inappropriate inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, with consequences for learning, social participation and family functioning. Pharmacological and behavioural therapies remain central to management, but the chronic and heterogeneous nature of ADHD has encouraged interest in complementary, sustainable and family-centred approaches. This study examined two integrative interventions - foot reflexology and Super Brain Yoga (SBY) - as adjunctive approaches for children with ADHD.
Methods: A quasi-experimental, three-group pretest-posttest design was used. Children aged 6-16 years with a confirmed ADHD diagnosis were recruited through non-probability purposive sampling. Of 143 children initially recruited, 138 completed the study and were included in analysis: 46 in a standard-care control group, 46 in a foot reflexology group and 46 in an SBY group. Foot reflexology consisted of six alternate-day sessions over two weeks using a validated protocol; SBY was performed twice daily for four weeks using a validated protocol. Outcomes were measured using the Vanderbilt parent follow-up assessment scale, with attention, motor activity, academic performance and combined ADHD scores assessed before and after intervention.
Results: Pre-intervention scores were broadly comparable across the three groups. Post-intervention mean attention scores were 16.41+/-5.22 in the control group, 13.39+/-4.79 in the foot reflexology group and 14.39+/-3.68 in the SBY group; one-way ANOVA showed a significant group difference (F=5.12, p<0.05). Combined ADHD scores declined from 28.88 to 28.34 in controls, 26.34 to 23.78 in the foot reflexology group and 28.05 to 24.42 in the SBY group. The source study reported a significant post-intervention difference in combined ADHD scores, with post-hoc analysis indicating the clearest benefit for foot reflexology. Significant between-group differences were not demonstrated for motor activity or academic performance. Participants and caregivers expressed strong acceptance of both interventions.
Conclusion: Foot reflexology demonstrated a significant beneficial effect on attention and combined ADHD scores, while SBY showed a favourable but less pronounced trend. These approaches may be considered complementary to standard ADHD care, but larger randomized studies with longer follow-up are needed.
ADHD; children; foot reflexology; Super Brain Yoga; integrative nursing; attention; complementary intervention.
Background: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by developmentally inappropriate inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, with consequences for learning, social participation and family functioning. Pharmacological and behavioural therapies remain central to management, but the chronic and heterogeneous nature of ADHD has encouraged interest in complementary, sustainable and family-centred approaches. This study examined two integrative interventions - foot reflexology and Super Brain Yoga (SBY) - as adjunctive approaches for children with ADHD.
Methods: A quasi-experimental, three-group pretest-posttest design was used. Children aged 6-16 years with a confirmed ADHD diagnosis were recruited through non-probability purposive sampling. Of 143 children initially recruited, 138 completed the study and were included in analysis: 46 in a standard-care control group, 46 in a foot reflexology group and 46 in an SBY group. Foot reflexology consisted of six alternate-day sessions over two weeks using a validated protocol; SBY was performed twice daily for four weeks using a validated protocol. Outcomes were measured using the Vanderbilt parent follow-up assessment scale, with attention, motor activity, academic performance and combined ADHD scores assessed before and after intervention.
Results: Pre-intervention scores were broadly comparable across the three groups. Post-intervention mean attention scores were 16.41+/-5.22 in the control group, 13.39+/-4.79 in the foot reflexology group and 14.39+/-3.68 in the SBY group; one-way ANOVA showed a significant group difference (F=5.12, p<0.05). Combined ADHD scores declined from 28.88 to 28.34 in controls, 26.34 to 23.78 in the foot reflexology group and 28.05 to 24.42 in the SBY group. The source study reported a significant post-intervention difference in combined ADHD scores, with post-hoc analysis indicating the clearest benefit for foot reflexology. Significant between-group differences were not demonstrated for motor activity or academic performance. Participants and caregivers expressed strong acceptance of both interventions.
Conclusion: Foot reflexology demonstrated a significant beneficial effect on attention and combined ADHD scores, while SBY showed a favourable but less pronounced trend. These approaches may be considered complementary to standard ADHD care, but larger randomized studies with longer follow-up are needed.
ADHD; children; foot reflexology; Super Brain Yoga; integrative nursing; attention; complementary intervention.