Differences in Motor Competence Between Children and Adolescents With and Without ADHD: Findings from a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Children and adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are often reported to have motor skill deficits, though findings remain inconsistent across studies. To determine whether motor competence differs significantly between youth with ADHD and their typically developing (TD) peers through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Following PRISMA guidelines, four databases were searched up to May 2025. Studies comparing motor competence in children and adolescents with ADHD and TD using standardized assessments were included. Methodological quality was assessed with the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Twenty-five studies involving 2127 participants (985 with ADHD) met inclusion criteria. Meta-analyses revealed that individuals with ADHD had significantly higher odds of motor difficulty based on the 5th percentile criterion (OR = 11.92, 95% CI: 3.79-37.53, I = 0%) and risk of motor difficulty based on the 15th percentile (OR = 2.73, 95% CI: 1.08-6.89, I = 41%). Additional pooled analyses indicated lower scores in manual dexterity, balance, locomotor, and object control skills among ADHD participants. Children and Adolescents with ADHD exhibit substantially lower motor competence than their TD counterparts.