Background: Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) frequently demonstrate significant impairments in fundamental motor skills (FMS), including locomotor and object control abilities. This study investigated the efficacy of an 8-week table tennis training program as a targeted intervention to improve FMS in this population.
Methods: In a quasi-experimental study, 30 male children with ADHD (aged 9 - 12 years) were assigned to either an experimental group (n = 15) or a control group (n = 15). The experimental group participated in a structured, 8-week table tennis training program, while the control group continued with their routine activities. The Test of Gross Motor Development-3 (TGMD-3) was administered to assess locomotor and object control skills before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) in SPSS-19.
Results: Following the intervention, the experimental group exhibited significant improvements in both locomotor (from 27.93 ± 1.90 to 31.33 ± 2.29, P-value < 0.001, η2 = 0.80) and object control skills (from 25.40 ± 1.91 to 29.93 ± 2.49, P-value < 0.001, η2 = 0.36). The control group showed no significant changes. ANCOVA results, controlling for baseline scores, confirmed a substantial between-group difference in the total motor score (F (1, 27) = 86.06, P-value < 0.001, η2 = 0.76).
Conclusion: An 8-week table tennis training program is an effective and feasible intervention for enhancing fundamental motor skills in children with ADHD. These findings support the integration of structured racket sports into physical activity programs to address motor proficiency deficits in this clinical population.
