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ADHD Chairs for Children

Written by Andrew Le, MD

UpdatedSeptember 26, 2024

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a mental health condition characterized by a range of persistent issues, including impulsive conduct, hyperactivity, and trouble paying attention. Unstable relationships, subpar performance at work or school, low self-esteem, and other problems can result from ADHD.

While various treatments exist for ADHD, managing symptoms in daily life remains a challenge. One area of particular difficulty is maintaining focus and engagement during seated activities, whether at school, work, or home. These difficulties have led to the development of specialized seating options designed to address the unique needs of children with ADHD.

In this article, we'll explore how ADHD chairs are designed to address these challenges and support children with ADHD in maintaining focus and attention.

ADHD Chairs as Sensory-Based Interventions

Sensory chairs for ADHD have emerged as an option to address the challenges faced by individuals with the condition. These chairs are designed to provide sensory input and allow for movement, potentially improving focus and reducing anxiety.

In school-based settings, occupational therapists employ sensory-based interventions to assist children in regulating their sensory intake, which enhances their focus, in-seat conduct, and overall performance. A systematic review found that these seating devices generally enhance attention for students with attention difficulties.

The need for ADHD chairs is crucial for children with ADHD due to their unique neurocognitive challenges. These children often exhibit hyperactivity, which serves as a mechanism to compensate for low psychological arousal and short attention spans. A study discussed that children with ADHD tend to have more significant seated movement, demonstrating autonomic arousal. Dynamic seating through ADHD chairs may help increase arousal for attending relevant tasks.

The use of ADHD chairs helps mitigate the challenges posed by the disorder's typical symptoms, such as restlessness and poor task engagement. Additionally, these seats can prevent the adverse health effects associated with prolonged sedentary behavior, further emphasizing their importance in both educational and therapeutic settings for children with ADHD.

Sensory Chairs for ADHD in Learning Institutions

While ADHD chairs are a promising option as sensory-based interventions, their potential drawbacks should also be known, primarily when implemented in a school setting.

A study explored the perception of 11 paraeducators regarding the use of ADHD chairs as dynamic seating options in the classroom setting. Paraeducators observed that students using these chairs could sit properly, comply, and listen during lessons. The flexible use of these sensory chairs, whether as part of a structured break or as a response to immediate needs, underscores their value in creating a supportive and adaptive learning environment.

However, implementing ADHD chairs comes with challenges, such as the potential for distraction among students who may all want to use the same seating tool and issues of space and supply shortages.

Despite these barriers, paraeducators remain optimistic about the efficacy of sensory chairs for ADHD, noting that they often serve as a preventative measure against behavioral issues. In addition, their experiences highlight the importance of adequate training and support from educational staff, enabling them to effectively incorporate these interventions into their daily routines, ultimately benefiting students and educators.

Types of ADHD Chairs

Different seating alternatives can affect concentration, behavior, and general comfort. Most research on alternative seating has focused on schoolchildren with ADHD, investigating how these chairs can increase attention and productivity in the classroom.

This section will examine the effectiveness of popular ADHD chairs based on available research and describe their advantages and disadvantages.

1. Therapy Ball

Source: Eastern Washington University

Therapy balls, also known as balance or stability balls, are air-filled rubber balls with diameters ranging from 20 to 30 inches. Therapy balls help maintain balance by engaging core muscle groups and requiring constant movement.

Studies have shown mixed results regarding therapy balls. One study found that children with ADHD had faster reaction times when sitting on a therapy ball compared to when they sat on a regular classroom chair. Another study supported this finding, which found that therapy balls improved attention, decreased hyperactivity, and increased time on task. Teachers preferred the therapy balls over regular chairs, indicating their effectiveness in general education classrooms.

On the other hand, one study showed no effect of therapy balls on on-task behavior and academic performance, but students preferred sitting on them. Additionally, teachers reported that therapy balls were difficult to use.

Despite the mixed findings from various studies, the therapy ball's popularity among children is undeniable. It is considered comfortable and helps improve task concentration.

Pros

  • Therapy balls allow for intense movement, which can help children with ADHD channel their hyperactivity constructively, potentially improving focus and concentration.
  • Children find therapy balls comfortable and enjoyable, which may enhance their engagement during classroom tasks.

Cons

  • There are mixed research findings on the effectiveness of therapy balls as ADHD chairs for schools, suggesting that the benefits may not be universal.
  • The movement provided by the therapy ball can be excessive, reducing the children's effectiveness in completing cognitive tasks.
  • Incorporating therapy balls as seats in the classroom may be a potential cause of distraction and may highlight the students' differences.

2. Active Seat

While therapy balls offer benefits, they're not the only option for individuals with ADHD. Active seats provide another alternative. These seats typically feature a flexible seat and backrest, with an adjustable footrest that resembles a swing. The seat can be modified to allow for unrestricted movement of the feet based on the individual's height. The chair also includes armrests and a retractable plate that replaces the desk.

A study compared the effectiveness of an active seat with a classic chair and a therapy ball for children with ADHD in school. Findings showed that children with ADHD performed best when using an active seat, which allowed them to move their legs without excessive trunk movement, lowered anxiety, and improved task focus. While the active seat had no significant impact on learning issues, it demonstrated promise in providing a work atmosphere that allows for required restlessness.

Pros

  • Active seats balance allowing necessary movement and maintaining a stable posture for classroom tasks, such as writing or drawing.
  • The height and shape of the active seat may be adjustable, which allows for an ideal fit for the child.

Cons

  • There are limited studies on the long-term effectiveness of active seats as ADHD chairs.
  • Active seats with specialized features like height adjustment may be more expensive, making them less accessible for some schools or families.

3. Wobble Chair

A wobble chair is a plastic stool that allows children to move and keep active and can provide increased sensory input.

A previous study assessed the impact of stability balls and wobble chairs on in-seat and on-task behavior in an academic setting. Findings from the study showed that therapists and teachers preferred the wobble chair over the therapy ball for their students' seating arrangements. Compared to the therapy ball, the wobble chair increased work completion and was more feasible in the classroom setting.

Pros

  • Wobble chairs allow students to engage in physical activity while simultaneously completing their assigned tasks in the classroom.
  • Wobble chairs offer a comfortable and ergonomic solution, allowing children to sit in any position.
  • The structure of the wobble chair requires the user to engage their core muscles to balance, promoting physical activity.

Cons

  • There are limited studies on the long-term effectiveness of wobble chairs as sensory chairs for ADHD.
  • Incorporating wobble chairs as seats in the classroom may be a potential cause of distraction and may highlight the differences of the students.
  • The size and design of the wobble chair should be tailored to the child's specific age group and weight.

4. Air-filled Cushions

Air-filled cushions offer a more subtle alternative to more extensive and noticeable seating options. These cushions fit comfortably on existing chairs and allow some movement while seated.

A study sought to determine whether an air-filled cushion known as a Disc "O" Sit cushion may enhance the ability of second-grade children to focus on assignments in a classroom setting.

The outcomes demonstrated that the cushion improved task focus, especially in kids with attention problems. The cushion is thought to provide proprioceptive and vestibular sensory input, maintaining the arousal states necessary for attention.

The study found significant results, but the intervention's effect size was small to medium, suggesting that combining interventions may substantially affect attention.

Pros

  • The results of the available study on the effectiveness of air-filled cushions on the behavior and emotion regulation of children with ADHD are consistent with previous research, showing the reliability and validity of the findings.
  • Air-filled cushions can also improve children's sitting posture, balance, coordination, and flexibility.

Cons

  • Air-filled cushions may be challenging to set up as they involve use of a pump and needle to inflate.
  • There are limited studies on the long-term effectiveness of air-filled cushions as ADHD chairs.

Takeaway

ADHD chairs offer a promising alternative for managing the challenges associated with ADHD. By allowing movement and enhancing sensory integration, these chairs can help children with ADHD maintain focus, reduce anxiety, and improve their overall ability to engage in tasks. While the effectiveness of different types of ADHD chairs may vary, the potential benefits they provide make them a valuable addition to traditional treatment strategies.

While more research is needed to fully understand the long-term impacts of different types of ADHD chairs, the potential benefits they provide make them a valuable addition to traditional treatment strategies. Whether in classrooms, therapy settings, or at home, these seating solutions can significantly improve the environment that fosters attention and productivity.

FAQs on ADHD Chairs

How can ADHD chairs help in the classroom setting?

ADHD chairs can benefit children in the classroom by increasing their focus and on-task behavior, allowing them to participate more fully in activities. They also reduce hyperactivity, resulting in safer and more manageable classroom environments.

What are the potential drawbacks of using ADHD chairs?

Individuals may develop nausea or headaches when using ADHD chairs. Moreover, if used in a classroom setting, the unique seating arrangement may distract fellow students and highlight the user's differences compared to their peers.

Can ADHD chairs be used for conditions other than ADHD?

Yes, ADHD chairs can also benefit individuals with other conditions that affect focus and sensory processing, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or sensory processing disorder. They provide similar benefits by accommodating the need for movement and enhancing sensory regulation.

References

  • Fedewa, A. L., & Erwin, H. E. (2011). Stability balls and students with attention and hyperactivity concerns: implications for on-task and in-seat behavior. The American journal of occupational therapy: official publication of the American Occupational Therapy Association, 65(4), 393–399. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2011.000554
  • Gochenour, B. & Poskey, G. A. (2017). Determining the effectiveness of alternative seating systems for students with attention difficulties: A systematic review. Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention, 10(3), 284-299. https://doi.org/10.1080/19411243.2017.1325817
  • Hoofman, J. (2018). Effects of alternative seating on children with disabilities. Graduate Theses and Dissertations. Retrieved from https://scholarcommons.usf.edu/etd/7522
  • Kaiser, Lyn & Potvin, Marie-Christine & Beach, Caitlin. (2020). Sensory-based interventions in the school setting: Perspectives of paraeducators. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy. 8. 1-11. https://doi.org/10.15453/2168-6408.1615.
  • Mayo Clinic. (2023). Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (adhd). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adult-adhd/symptoms-causes/syc-20350878
  • Pfeiffer, B., Henry, A., Miller, S., & Witherell, S. (2008). Effectiveness of Disc 'O' Sit cushions on attention to task in second-grade students with attention difficulties. The American journal of occupational therapy: official publication of the American Occupational Therapy Association, 62(3), 274–281. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.62.3.274
  • Stanić, V., Žnidarič, T., Repovš, G., & Geršak, G. (2022). Dynamic seat assessment for enabled restlessness of children with learning difficulties. Sensors (Basel, Switzerland), 22(9), 3170. https://doi.org/10.3390/s22093170
  • Taipalus, A.C., Hixson, M.D., Kanouse, S.K., Wyse, R.D., & Fursa, S. (2017). Effects of therapy balls on children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Behavioral Interventions, 32(4), 418-426. https://doi.org/10.1002/bin.1488
  • Wu W.L., Wang, C.C., Chen, C.H., Lai. C.L., Yang. P.C., & Guo. L.Y. (2012). Influence of therapy ball seats on attentional ability in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 24, 1177–1182. https://doi.org/10.1589/jpts.24.1177.