Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health disorder that represents a significant public health problem among adolescents. Physical activity (PA) holds promise as a potentially effective, broadly health-promoting, and accessible intervention for adolescents with ADHD.

Drawing on behavioral economics principles, this project evaluated the feasibility of using motivational interviewing and contingency management/external reinforcers as a way to increase physical activity among 11-16 year old adolescents with ADHD. It also examined the impact of the PA intervention on ADHD symptom severity.

Forty adolescents randomly assigned to three treatment groups and a control group completed the pilot study. Results are consistent with hypotheses and will be used as a preliminary study for a grant application for an expanded trial in the future.