Exergames na estimulação das funções executivas de indivíduos com TDAH

Abstract

Exergames transform the player's body movements into control actions that can be replicated in electronic games, showing a promising dynamic for stimulating executive functions, which are important for learning but can be compromised in neuroatypical individuals. The aim of this study was to find out the current state of research into exergames and executive functions in individuals with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This is an exploratory study, with a cross-sectional study and a qualitative approach to a literature review from 2019 to 2024 in the following databases: Periódicos CAPES, LILACS, SciELO and Research Rabbit. The following descriptors were used in Portuguese and English: exergames, executive functions and ADHD in the search for original articles. Of the 125 articles found, only 3 met the inclusion criteria. The studies carried out randomized clinical trials with pre-test and post-test, lasting from 4 to 8 weeks, with sessions of between 30 and 50 minutes, with a total audience of 117 individuals aged between 6 and 16. The studies showed a significant improvement in sustained and selective attention, visual perception and executive functions such as working memory, decision-making, inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility in individuals with ADHD after using exergames. The conclusion is that exergames can be used as an alternative treatment for ADHD, stimulating attention, executive functions, motor training and relieving anxiety. However, the ideal would be the development of serious exergames, built for this purpose, to optimize treatment and enhance results.