Can physical activity help manage ADHD in preterm infants?

PostedAugust 20, 2025

UpdatedSeptember 4, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Avery Lombardi, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Physical activity in ADHD can play a significant role in managing ADHD symptoms in preterm infants, even at an early age. While infants may not engage in structured exercise, early motor activities and physical engagement can help develop crucial skills, reduce hyperactivity, and improve overall brain function.

Children can benefit from exercise to improve their motor coordination and brain development, especially if they were born prematurely. For preterm infants, regular movement and physical interaction can lay the foundation for improving motor skills and regulating behaviour.

Benefits of Physical Activity for Preterm Infants with ADHD Symptoms

Here’s how physical activity in ADHD can support preterm infants in managing ADHD symptoms and promoting healthy development:

Reducing hyperactivity

For infants who exhibit signs of hyperactivity, physical movement can help burn off excess energy, leading to improved emotional regulation. Simple movements like tummy time, reaching for toys, or gentle rocking can help preterm babies feel more settled.

Improving motor skills

The development of motor skills is delayed in many preterm infants. Engaging in physical activity, such as crawling, rolling, or grasping objects, helps build strength, coordination, and motor planning, which can improve focus and attention in the long run.

Enhancing brain development

Physical activity promotes brain plasticity, which is vital for children born prematurely. Early engagement in movement-based activities stimulates areas of the brain responsible for attention, problem-solving, and impulse control, supporting cognitive and behavioural development.

Supporting self-regulation

Preterm babies gain greater control over their bodies and emotions as they become more physically active. As they get older, this early self-regulation foundation can aid in the development of behavioural organisation and attention control.

Incorporating physical activity ADHD into the daily routine of preterm infants can significantly enhance their development, helping to manage ADHD symptoms from a young age.

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and tailored advice on integrating physical activity for ADHD management.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to premature birth or low birth weight.

Avery Lombardi, MSc

Author

Avery Lombardi is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Psychology. She has professional experience in psychological assessment, evidence-based therapy, and research, working with both child and adult populations. Avery has provided clinical services in hospital, educational, and community settings, delivering interventions such as CBT, DBT, and tailored treatment plans for conditions including anxiety, depression, and developmental disorders. She has also contributed to research on self-stigma, self-esteem, and medication adherence in psychotic patients, and has created educational content on ADHD, treatment options, and daily coping strategies.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.