Exercise Interventions to Optimize Executive Function and Cognitive Development in Neurodevelopmental Disorders

A special issue of Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology (ISSN 2411-5142). This special issue belongs to the section "Physical Exercise for Health Promotion".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2027 | Viewed by 32

Editor


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Guest Editor
School of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China
Interests: exercise intervention; neurodevelopmental disorders; attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); executive function; cognitive development; motor skill development; digital health-based rehabilitation; pediatric rehabilitation; physical activity and health promotion

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Neurodevelopmental disorders, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and developmental coordination disorder (DCD), are characterized by persistent difficulties in cognitive functioning, motor control, and adaptive behaviors. Executive functions, including inhibitory control, working memory, cognitive flexibility, and planning ability, are essential for academic achievement, social participation, and quality of life. Recent evidence suggests that exercise-based interventions may provide a promising and accessible non-pharmacological strategy to improve cognitive and functional outcomes in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders.

This Special Issue aims to advance understanding of the effects, mechanisms, and clinical applications of exercise interventions targeting executive function and cognitive development in neurodevelopmental populations. We welcome original research articles, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and methodological studies investigating various exercise approaches, including aerobic exercise, resistance training, motor skill training, exergaming, and technology-assisted rehabilitation.

Topics of interest include exercise-induced cognitive enhancement, neuroplasticity mechanisms, personalized exercise prescription, digital health interventions, and multidisciplinary approaches integrating exercise science, rehabilitation, and neuroscience.

I look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Feilong Zhu
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • exercise intervention
  • executive function
  • cognitive development
  • neurodevelopmental disorders
  • ADHD
  • autism spectrum disorder
  • motor skill training
  • digital health
  • neuroplasticity
  • pediatric rehabilitation

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Published Papers

This special issue is now open for submission.
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