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Abstract
This thesis determined the influence of acute moderate intensity exercise on attention, hyperactivity, motivation, and mood in adult men reporting symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This crossover experiment involved 32 men and measured the outcomes before and twice after 20 minutes of exercise or a seated rest control. Condition (Exercise versus Rest) X Time (Baseline, Post-1 and Post2) ANOVAs tested hypothesized interactions that exercise alone would induce improvements in the outcomes. Results revealed exercise alone significantly increased vigor and motivation to complete mental work and decreased fatigue, depression, and confusion. Exercise did not affect attention task performances or leg activity. Leg activity was higher during the more difficult cognitive task. In men reporting elevated symptoms of ADHD 20 minutes of moderate intensity exercise enhanced motivation for cognitive tasks, increased feelings of energy and reduced feelings of fatigue, confusion, and depression but had no effect on attention or hyperactivity.