More Than "Can't Sit Still": What Research Says About Motor Skills in Children and Teens with ADHD
Byline: Chau Sir / chausir.com
This article summarises public research with AI assistance.
What the study looked at
A Spanish team, Blanco-Martínez, González-Devesa, Ayán-Pérez and Diz-Gómez, published a systematic review and meta-analysis online in September 2025. It compared motor competence in children and adolescents with ADHD and their typically developing peers. Following PRISMA guidelines, the team searched the literature up to May 2025 and included 25 studies that compared the two groups using standardised motor competence tools, covering about 2,127 participants, about 985 of whom had ADHD. [1]
What links the review found
Using the 5th percentile as the cut-off for "motor difficulties," the ADHD group had higher odds of motor difficulties (OR 11.92, 95% confidence interval 3.79 to 37.53). Using the 15th percentile as the cut-off for "possible motor difficulties," the odds were also higher (OR 2.73, 95% confidence interval 1.08 to 6.89). The meta-analysis also showed that the ADHD group tended to score lower than peers in manual dexterity, balance, locomotor skills and object control (such as throwing and catching a ball).
These are group differences and associations pooled from the literature. They do not mean every child with ADHD has the same motor difficulties, and they do not prove that any one kind of practice always leads to any one outcome. The authors note that earlier individual studies did not fully agree, which is why a systematic synthesis helps show the overall pattern. [1]
Reading the findings with care
This review summarises average differences between two groups. It does not say that ADHD causes motor difficulties, and it is not a way to judge any individual child. The odds ratio at the 5th percentile is large, but its confidence interval is also wide, which means results varied quite a lot between studies, so the number should be read with care. The included studies came from different countries and used different tools and age ranges. Hong Kong children's daily activity levels, school PE arrangements and homework patterns may differ, so the findings are a reference only. [1]
Small things Hong Kong parents can notice
Many Hong Kong parents and teachers notice that children with ADHD "can't sit still," but may miss other signs: handwriting that takes great effort, unsteady catching and throwing, slow dressing or shoelace tying, or difficulty keeping pace in PE lessons. This review is a reminder that these are not always a matter of "attitude" or "laziness." Across the literature, the ADHD group showed differences from peers in several physical skill scores.
Parents can notice together with their child and the school: which everyday movements feel hardest? Is there room for reasonable adjustments in handwriting, crafts, PE or music, such as more time or finishing tasks in parts? Without labels or comparisons, can the child have a relaxed rhythm of practice and rest? When a child is willing to try and take it slowly, that effort is worth appreciating.
From a CRP (Communication, Relationship, Parenting) point of view, asking "which part is hard?" and then finding ideas together tends to build more trust than simply asking a child to be "faster" or "neater." The research is a reference only, and every child has their own pace.
Sources
1. Blanco-Martínez, N., González-Devesa, D., Ayán-Pérez, C., & Diz-Gómez, J. C. (2025). Differences in motor competence between children and adolescents with and without ADHD: Findings from a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-025-07033-1
Disclaimer
Educational information, not a diagnosis or medical advice.
Chau Sir's talks and articles are parent education. They do not provide diagnosis, assessment or treatment, and do not provide medical or medication advice. If needed, please consult a qualified professional.
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