Exercise and Academics

If you want your child to do better in school, you should make sure your son or daughter gets plenty of exercise. Research indicates physical activity can impact a child’s brain as much as the body.

In a review of exercise studies published earlier this year in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, researchers uncovered compelling evidence that children who participated in regular physical exercise achieved better academic performance.(1)

Researchers argued that physical activity increases the amount of oxygen and blood to the brain, which in turn boosts cognitive function. As well, exercise develops brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) - a protein that exerts significant influence over the creation of neurons. BDNF is primarily found in brain areas important for learning, memory and higher thinking. Laboratory experiments showed mice that were exercised increased their production of BDNF considerably compared to sedentary mice. Exercise also increases production of mood-lifting endorphins and this may give kids the confidence to tackle academic challenges.

Research published in the Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology showed that elementary school children who had good aerobic fitness were more likely to excel in reading and mathematics. However, strength training was not associated with improved academic performance. In their conclusion, the study researchers remarked: “These findings suggest that fitness was positively associated with neuroelectric indices of attention and working memory, and response speed in children.”(2)

Most experts agree additional human studies are needed on exercise and its impact on academic performance, but so far the research shows promise.

1. Physical Activity and Performance at School - Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2012;166(1):49-55.
2. Aerobic Fitness and Neurocognitive Function in Healthy Preadolescent Children - Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise: November 2005 - Volume 37 - Issue 11 - pp 1967-1974.