Effect of psychostimulant medications on functional balance performance in persons with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A systematic review.

Mansour M Alotaibi, Despina Stavrinos, Robert W Motl, Megan Bell, Scott W Snyder, Christopher P Hurt, Harshvardhan Singh, Donald H Lein

Journal: Gait & posture 2023;102():146-158

PMID: 37018889

Full Text on Elsevier Science View on PubMed

Abstract

RATIONALE

Balance impairments are highly prevalent and underscreened in individuals with Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Psychostimulant medications, used to treat ADHD symptoms, may improve balance performance in this population as demonstrated by a growing literature; however, there has not been a systematic investigation to understand the effects of psychostimulant medications on balance performance in individuals with ADHD. This systematic review examined the existing evidence to determine if psychostimulant medications improve balance performance in this population.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, Embase and Cochrane in March 2021 and in January 2022 to locate articles relevant to the topic. Two reviewers evaluated the methodological quality of included articles using the Study Quality Assessment Tools and the PEDro scale. The reviewers rated articles for the level of evidence based on the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) criteria. The reviewers further offered recommendations for research and clinical practice based on the strength of the reviewed articles using the AAN criteria. Additionally, the reviewers gleaned important characteristics from each article, such as study design, balance domain and study results.

RESULTS

Nine articles addressed the role of psychostimulant medications on balance outcomes. These articles included two Class II studies, two Class III studies and five Class IV studies. Based on study quality, this systematic review indicated low confidence in the use of psychostimulant medications for improving balance performance based on AAN criteria.

CONCLUSION

Psychostimulant medications trends to enhance balance performance in individuals with ADHD. However, the lack of well-designed studies and heterogeneity of balance measures warrant additional research.

Address: Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia. Electronic address: [email protected].; Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].; Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, College of Applied Health Sciences, The University of Illinois Chicago. Chicago, IL, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].; UAB Libraries, Lister Hill Library of the Health Sciences, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].; Department of Human Studies, School of Education, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].; Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Professions, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].; Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Professions, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].; Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Professions, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].

DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2023.03.019

Link outs

Free resources

Medical:

https://medlineplus.gov/attentiondeficithyperactiv...

Subscription / membership required

Full Text Sources:

MeSH Terms: Humans, Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity, Central Nervous System Stimulants