Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Tailored Yoga Therapy for Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

This study explores if group yoga can help adults experiencing symptoms of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Researchers want to see if a specially designed yoga program is practical, enjoyable, and helpful for people with ADHD. They will compare it with general movement classes. They'll check if yoga helps improve ADHD symptoms, anxiety, depression, and general well-being. The study will also look at how yoga might affect things like sleep, attention, and stress. Participants will wear devices to track their activity and sleep, and fill out questionnaires about their experiences. It's a small study, but it aims to provide insights into whether yoga could be a useful support for adults with ADHD.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

King's College London

Enrolment target

Start

23 Feb 2026

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2026

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

What is this study about?

This study is looking into whether a special type of group yoga can help adults who have symptoms of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The idea is to see if this tailored yoga program is useful, enjoyable, and if people stick with it. To do this, they’re comparing the yoga classes with another type of group class involving general movement. The main goal is to understand if this yoga program is a good fit for adults with ADHD.

The researchers will closely watch how many people join, how often they attend, and what they think about the classes. They’ll ask participants for their feedback to understand what worked well and what could be improved. This is important for figuring out if such a program could be offered more widely in the future.

Beyond simply asking if people liked the classes, the study also aims to see if the yoga program might actually improve different aspects of daily life. This includes checking if ADHD symptoms get better, and if people feel less anxious or depressed. They’ll also look at overall quality of life, how well people manage their emotions, their sleep, and even their ability to focus and pay attention. Some participants will wear special devices, like activity trackers, to see how their sleep and activity levels change over time. This helps researchers get a full picture of any potential benefits.

Key takeaways

This study explores group yoga for adults with ADHD symptoms.
It aims to see if yoga is helpful, practical, and enjoyable.
Compares tailored yoga to general movement classes.
Looks at improvements in ADHD, mood, sleep, and overall well-being.
Participation involves classes, questionnaires, and wearing an activity tracker.
You can stop participating at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or older. You should also have symptoms of ADHD that are noticeable enough to show up on a specific questionnaire used to assess ADHD in adults. It's important that you can speak English well, and that your eyesight is normal or corrected with glasses or contact lenses.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have a major long-term health condition or disability that would make it hard to participate in the physical activities, or if you have a serious mental health condition like active psychosis or a severe problem with alcohol or drugs. You also can't join if you're already receiving another type of 'mind-body' therapy (like another form of yoga or meditation) for your ADHD, or if you regularly practice yoga already. Lastly, if you are currently pregnant, you won't be able to take part.

Quick self-check

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you experience symptoms of ADHD?
Do you speak English fluently?
Do you have normal or corrected vision?
Do you have any major ongoing health conditions that would prevent gentle exercise?
Are you currently pregnant or regularly practicing yoga?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will be randomly placed into one of two groups: either a group taking part in tailored yoga classes or a group taking part in general movement classes. Both programs will be delivered in a group setting. You will attend classes, and throughout the study, you'll be asked to complete questionnaires at the beginning, in the middle, and at the end of the program, and then again three months later. You'll also wear a special device, like a Fitbit, to track your sleep and activity levels over the six-week period. Some participants will also have basic tests done in a lab at the start and end of the study to look at things like attention and how your body responds to stress. The total duration of active participation, including classes and wearing the device, will be six weeks, with a follow-up check at three months.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might offer some potential benefits, such as improving your ADHD symptoms, mood, sleep, or overall well-being. You might also learn new techniques for managing stress. It's possible you'll enjoy the group setting and meeting others. As with any physical activity, there's a small risk of minor injury from the exercises. Your personal information will be kept private and confidential. You are free to stop participating in the study at any time, for any reason, without needing to explain why, and this will not affect your future medical care.

Locations (1)

King's College London
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is 'tailored yoga therapy'?

It's a specific yoga program designed to potentially help with ADHD symptoms and related challenges, focusing on movements and breathing that might be beneficial.

What are 'functional movement classes'?

These are group exercise classes that focus on movements you do in everyday life, helping improve strength, flexibility, and balance. They are the comparison group in this study.

Will I know if I'm in the yoga or movement group?

Yes, once you're randomly assigned, you'll know which type of class you'll be attending.

How long will I need to commit to the study?

The main part of the study, including classes and wearing a tracker, lasts for six weeks, with a follow-up check-in three months after that.

Is this study safe?

The study involves gentle physical activities, and safety will be a priority. You can stop at any point if you feel uncomfortable.