Morgan Hill-based Specialized Bicycle Components has launched a new campaign through its foundation called “Outride ADHD,” to create awareness about an alternative method to combat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
The campaign kicked off during Stage 18 of the Tour de France, according to a July 20 press release. It is aimed at educating parents, teachers and doctors about the benefit that cycling can provide to children with ADHD, which affects one out of nine schoolchildren in the U.S.
“The power of the bicycle goes far beyond racing,” according to Specialized’s announcement. “By launching the campaign at the Tour de France, The Specialized Foundation hopes to inspire people around the world to join the movement and create a healthier future for generations to come.”
The Specialized Foundation partnered with Stanford University to further research the impact that cycling and physical activity have on ADHD symptoms. Previous research findings have found that riding a bike daily can help children focus, as well as improve their mood and academic performance, according to Specialized.
In the original study, conducted by The Specialized Foundation and RTSG, a single cycling session significantly improved measures of executive attention in ADHD students. Specifically, ADHD students were more accurate and faster on the Simon test after a single episode of exercise, according to Specialized.
“At Specialized, we have always believed that cycling has the power to change lives,” said Mike Sinyard, Founder of Specialized Bicycles. “Through our partnership with Stanford, we are furthering our research that, when it comes to ADHD, a bike ride a day can have an incredibly positive impact on kids’ lives.”
The Specialized Foundation in partnership with Goodby Silverstein & Partners developed the campaign, “Outride ADHD,” and will continue to run throughout the summer. The effort is part of The Specialized Foundation’s program, “Riding For Focus,” to promote the use of cycling as a tool in which children can achieve academic and social success at school. They have pledged to bring the program to 200 institutions by 2020.
