Self-Reported Physical Activity Levels Among College Students with ADHD: Biological Sex Matters

Physical activity (PA) and exercise (PE) are associated with benefits, including improvements in executive functioning (EF). Individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) experience various EF difficulties, and exercise is being explored as a possible intervention for ADHD; thus, activity levels among those with ADHD merit further study. We explored PA and PE among college students by ADHD status and sex. Students (N = 2086; 67.4% female) completed an online survey; ANOVA and chi-square analyses were conducted examining PA and PE frequency and intensity. Males reported engaging in more PA than females, and males with ADHD were more active than their same-sex peers. For PE, males with ADHD engaged in the highest levels, while females with ADHD engaged in the lowest levels. No sex differences in PE emerged for students without ADHD. When considering PA and PE recommendations and interventions for college students with ADHD, biological sex is important.