Study: Relearning how to crawl may help children with ADHD

Research from Purdue University reveals that relearning infant traits like crawling can help diminish symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in school-aged children, Channel 6 news in Indianapolis reports.

Experts say that during early childhood development a normal response in infants to assume the crawl position leads to symmetric tonic neck reflex, which occurs when children extend their arms and bend their knees. This behavior disappears when neurological and muscular development allow for independent limb movement.

 However, researchers found if infants do not crawl enough they can experience difficulties in concentrating or remaining still at school as well as have trouble writing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that ADHD can result from premature delivery, alcohol use during pregnancy, environmental exposures to lead or brain injury.

The study guided participants through a series of crawling exercises designed to train their brains to accept the neck reflex, which have been shown to help children with ADHD by keeping them more focused in the classroom.

In a 2006 report by the CDC, approximately 4.5 million children between the ages of 5 and 17 have been diagnosed with ADHD. Furthermore, more boys suffer from the condition than girls.