Background and Objective: This study was conducted aimed to compare effects of Methylphenidate and endurance exercise on histopathological changes in brain tissue of male Wistar rats with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Material and Methods: In this study, 33 rats were divided into a control group (5 rats) and 4 experimental groups (28 rats) and 10 mg/kg of L-NAME (L-Arginine Methyl Ester) was injected peritoneally for 8 weeks for 6 days a week. Rats that tested positive for open test were used. Balance and motor coordination tests were taken after 8 weeks of training using Beam Walking or Balance Test. The drug group was given 1 mg per kg of Methylphenidate orally. The rats in the exercise group trained 30 minutes a day and 7 days a week for 4 weeks. Open Field Test was used to diagnose hyperactivity. 5-band treadmill was used for doing endurance exercise.
Results: The results of the present study show that the effect of exercise on reducing histopathological changes in brain tissue in neonatal rats with ADHD is present. Therefore, it can be stated that exercise can be an alternative to the drugs such as methylphenidate.
Conclusion: According to the studyresults, the effect of exercise alone to methylphenidate is greater on brain tissue changes. Although the drug has been more effective on improving some variables such as changes in gray matter, it has not reduced neuronal changes, congestion and inflammation not seen in the exercise group. Also, the study results of simultaneous drug use and exercise are satisfactory.