I stumbled upon an article from the University of Miami, School of Medicine. It is probably quite an old study, and I was even more amazed by the results and statements. Could it be that we just do not learn? We are probably talking about a study that was conducted a decade ago!

Maria Hernandez-Reif, Tiffany M. Field and Eric Thimas, observed thirteen adolescents with ADHD symptoms that participated in Tai Chi classes twice a week for 5 weeks. Teachers rated the adolescents’ behaviors before the test began, after the 5 week Tai Chi period and two weeks later. After the 10 Tai Chi sessions the adolescents displayed less anxiety, daydreaming behaviors, inappropriate emotions and hyperactivity and improved conduct. These changes persisted over the two-week follow up (no Tai Chi) period.

In their report, Hernandez-Reif, Field and Thimas state: “Although short-term improvements have been reported in academic and social functioning, drug therapy such as methylphenidate or Ritalin (Schachar & Tannock, 1993; Swanson et aI, 1995), side-effects such as motor tics, insomnia, headaches, and social withdrawal make this treatment controversial (Handen, Feldermann, Gosling, Breaux et al., 1991; Parraga & Cochran, 1992). (…) Of the non-drug treatments, relaxation therapy has alleviated depression in adolescents (Platania-Solazzo, et al, 1992), but is has shown limited effects in treating ADHD (Field, Quintino & Hernandez-Reif, 1997) perhaps because of its demands on concentration. Massage therapy, in contrast, has been effective in increasing time spent on task, reducing fidgeting, improving mood and lowering hyperactivity scores in adolescents with ADHD (Field, Quintino & Hernandez-Reif, 1997)”.

The adolescents in this study engaged in Tai Chi postures for 30- minute sessions twice a week for 5 weeks. Each mid-afternoon session began with slow raising and lowering of the arms in synchrony with breathing exercises for 5 minutes. The adolescents were then taught to perform slow turning and twisting movements of the arms and legs, shifting body weight from one leg to the other, rotating from side to side and changing directions in a sequence of Tai Chi forms.

Statistic tests suggested the following baseline to Tai Chi therapy changes:
1) less anxiety,
2) improved conduct,
3) less daydreaming,
4) less inappropriate emotions, and
5) less hyperactivity during Tai Chi versus before Tai Chi
These improved scores persisted over the two-week follow-up (no Tai Chi) period.

I think it is worthwhile to investigate the effects of martial arts and massage on symptoms of ADD and ADHD; in addition to EFT it seems a good way to go!
If any of you has experience with the influence of martial arts and/or massage on the symptoms of ADD and ADHD, please let me know.

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