Children who have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may have trouble listening to others, talk nonstop, become bored easily or feel the need to constantly keep moving, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that 5.2 million children between three and seventeen years of age have been diagnosed with ADHD.

However, new research reveals that introducing children with ADHD to physical activity programs may lead to improvements in behavior.

In a recent study, 10 youths with the disorder were enrolled in a structured physical activity program, where they engaged in a warm-up, an aerobic activity, muscular and motor-skill exercises and a cool-down. The children took part in this program three times a week for the duration of the study.

Researchers found that the program helped improve its participants’ behavior and ability to process information.

Based on these findings, the researchers felt that the positive effects of physical activity may occur in the various settings of the children’s life. They recommended that parents of children with ADHD and schools look into offering more structured physical activity options.

Parents of a young child or teenager who exhibits symptoms of ADHD may consider administering him or her a children's intelligence test, which can be used for problem diagnosis.