Vigorous Exercise Improves Cognition in Kids
Now, there’s another reason to encourage your child to get off the couch and do a round of vigorous exercise. Researchers looked at the effects of fast-paced exercise and hard play on 171 overweight children between the ages of 7 and 11 and made an interesting discovery. The more these previously sedentary kids exercised, the better their cognitive skills – and their math skills.
The kids in this study engaged in a vigorous exercise program where they ran and jumped – where their heart rate rose to 79 percent of maximum, the equivalent of moderate to high-intensity exercise – and it helped. Not only did these kids test better on cognitive assessment tests that measured math, reading, and planning skills, but some of them also underwent MRI brain scanning to look at brain activity. The kids who exercised had greater activity in areas of the brain linked with planning, decision making, and more advanced cognition.
Most amazing was the fact these kids who played hard were able to do better in math without additional math instruction. The vigorous exercise seemed to bring to the forefront their ability to work through mathematical problems. Interestingly, their reading skills weren’t improved with exercise.
Why Does Vigorous Exercise and Play Improve Cognition and Math Skills?
Researchers believe vigorous exercise stimulates blood vessels and nerve cells in the brain to grow – and promotes better communication between existing neurons. It may do this by boosting the amount of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF, a protein produced by the brain. This protein is important for boosting the growth of nerve cells. Plus, exercise boosts blood flow to the brain, providing the brain with life-giving oxygen, which helps it to function better.
Can Kids Improve Cognition with Vigorous Exercise: The Bottom Line?
Encourage your child to go outside and play rather than sitting in front of the television or computer screen. Get them involved in games that require running, or get out a skipping rope and challenge them to use it. Skip right along with them to help clear your mind and improve your brain too. Exercise is good for everyone – and it may help your kids bring home a better math score.
References:
Eurekalert.org. “Exercise Helps Overweight Children Think Better, Do Better in Math”
Related Articles By Cathe:
How Does the Physical Fitness of Kids Today Compare To Kids 20 Years ago?
Can We Stop the Growing Crisis of Childhood Inactivity?
5 Myths about Kids Strength Training
What Kids Can Teach You About Fitness and Health
Is It Safe for Kids to Strength Train?
Inactivity in Kids: How Serious Is the Problem Now?
How Does the Fitness Level of Kids Today Compare to Their Parents?
Are Babies and Kids With a Hearty Appetite More Likely to Become Obese?
Getting Your Kids to Eat Their Veggies
Healthy Brown Bag Lunches for Kids
Get Kids to Eat More Fruits and Vegetables By Giving Them a Taste Early in Life
This is very interesting, especially since the schools here in Florida have been cutting back on phys ed. My son is in Kindergarten and only has PE once or twice a week to make more time for math and reading. Sound like the plan is backwards. Make more time for PE and you would need less time for the math!