Exercising before school can reduce ADHD symptoms among children, a new study suggests. The study, from Michigan State University and the University of Vermont, shows positive results among children with ADHD or who were at higher risk of ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Study results show that providing aerobic activities to younger at-risk children before school could help curb ADHD symptoms at home and in school. ADHD symptoms may include moodiness, inattentiveness, and trouble getting along with others.

Alan Smith, chairperson of MSU’s Department of Kinesiology, said in a statement, “Early studies suggest that physical activity can have a positive effect on children who suffer from ADHD.”

Smith conducted the research along with Betsy Hoza, lead author and a psychologist from the University of Vermont.

Smith and Hoza studied approximately 200 early elementary school students during a 12-week period. The research included students who showed signs of ADHD as well as ones that did not.

In the trial, students were randomly chosen to participate in one of two groups, the first that completed moderate to vigorous physical activity daily before school, or one that completed sedentary classroom-related activities.

Smith said, “Although our findings indicated that all participants showed improvements, children with ADHD risk receiving exercise benefited across a broader range of outcomes than those receiving the sedentary activities.”

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, ADHD is a common childhood disorder that may continue through adolescence and into adulthood. The average age of onset is seven years old.