As practitioners committed to fostering positive outcomes for children with learning difficulties, it is essential to remain informed about innovative approaches backed by solid research. One such approach is the use of dynamic seats to enable appropriate restlessness in children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). A recent study titled Dynamic Seat Assessment for Enabled Restlessness of Children with Learning Difficulties provides compelling evidence on the benefits of dynamic seating for children with ADHD. This blog delves into the key findings of this study and discusses practical applications for enhancing learning experiences in the classroom.
Understanding ADHD and Its Challenges
ADHD is characterized by difficulty maintaining attention, inhibiting impulsive behavior, and managing excessive motor activity. These symptoms often manifest in the school environment as carelessness in school tasks, disorganization, poor listening skills, and restlessness. Traditional classroom settings can exacerbate these challenges, making it difficult for children with ADHD to perform optimally.
The Role of Dynamic Seats
Dynamic seats, such as therapy balls and active seats, offer a promising solution by allowing children to engage in appropriate restlessness. The study assessed the efficacy of a dynamic seat compared to a classic chair and a therapy ball, focusing on task-solving performance, movement intensity, in-seat behavior, and psychophysiological responses (electrodermal activity and facial temperature).
Key Findings
- Children with ADHD exhibited the best results when using the active seat, showing the most intense movement and best in-seat behavior.
- Psychophysiological parameters indicated that children with ADHD were less agitated and more focused when using the active seat.
- In contrast, the therapy ball allowed too much movement, which could overwhelm children with ADHD, affecting their task performance negatively.
- Both children with and without ADHD preferred the active seat over the traditional school chair and therapy ball.
Practical Applications
Based on these findings, practitioners can implement the following strategies to improve classroom experiences for children with ADHD:
- Introduce dynamic seats like active seats that allow leg movement while stabilizing the torso, enabling better focus on tasks.
- Consider the use of standing desks, which offer a comfortable writing surface for children who need to stand and move while working.
- Incorporate physical activities into lessons, such as active games and moving furniture, to provide necessary kinesthetic input.
- Use classroom-friendly fidget toys to help children with ADHD manage their restlessness in a non-disruptive manner.
Encouraging Further Research
While the study presents promising results, it is essential to continue exploring the impact of dynamic seating on different types of ADHD and across various age groups. Future research could also consider additional factors such as school grades, IQ, and personality traits to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the benefits of dynamic seating.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Dynamic Seat Assessment for Enabled Restlessness of Children with Learning Difficulties.
