London, June 12: Dancing helps hyperactive children calm down, pay attention in class and avoid getting into fights, a study has suggested.

Swedish researchers from Karlstad University and the University College of Dance in Stockholm encouraged energetic movement in unruly boys aged five to seven with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) ? and found that their behaviour improved.

Professor Erna Gr?nlund, who led the study, said: “Boys with ADHD calmed down. Their parents and teachers reported that they did their schoolwork better. One boy could only sit in a classroom for 10 minutes previously and after dance therapy he could attend a whole lesson. These boys could also play with other children without fighting all the time”.