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Neuromuscular Regulation Problems in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Assessed by the Motor Function Neurological Assessment

Liv Larsen Stray, Torstein Torstein and Oistein Kristensen

This article presents an overview of experiences and research on the Motor Function Neurological Assessment (MFNU) used as an assessment tool in connection with ADHD in children and adults. The instrument consists of 16 subtests developed over three decades. The MFNU focuses on specific neuromuscular regulation problems associated with ADHD, especially motor inhibition problems and high muscle tone. The aim of our research projects through the last 15 years has been to investigate possible relationships between attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and neuromuscular regulation problems using the MFNU as our research tool. We also have investigated reported pain in adults with ADHD. Each of the studies is previously presented in separate articles and in a doctoral thesis in the period 2009 - 2013. The studies confirm that the MFNU measures a consistent pattern of motor regulation problems in persons with ADHD. The problems seem independent of age, may appear in individuals with little or no dyscoordination or motor skills problems and are rarely seen in individuals without ADHD. Our findings show that children with ADHD typically demonstrate marked improvements in muscular regulation 1-1.5 hours after a single dose of 10 mg Methylphenidate (MPH). The problems reoccur when the MPH is metabolized. The probability of positive effect of central stimulants on the core behavioral symptoms of ADHD seems to increase with increasing problem scores on the MFNU. Our research suggests a close functional relationship between the core symptoms of ADHD and the specific muscular regulation problems assessed by the MFNU. Our research also show that adults with ADHD experience a significantly higher level of pain and more widespread pain compared to non-ADHD controls. This might indicate that pain is a long-term secondary effect of heightened muscle tone and restricted movement associated with the ADHD condition.