Yet more studies have come out supporting the idea that physical activity can improve cognition.
Experts aren’t sure exactly how exercise fuels learning, but they know that it does. “There’s sort of no question about it now,” said Dr. John J. Ratey, clinical associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.
“The exercise itself doesn’t make you smarter, but it puts the brain of the learners in the optimal position for them to learn.” Studies show that exercise enables cells to sprout synapses, which are crucial to forming connections the brain needs in order to learn.”5 Exercise strengthens the body and invigorates the mind, so challenge your child to get – or stay – active (please make sure to consult with a health expert before starting them on an exercise program).
- Tell us how your family stays active. Head to the forum and discuss.
Resources
| 3 |
Hillman, Charles H. & Erickson, Kirk I. & Kramer, Arthur F. (2008). Be smart, exercise your heart: exercise effects on brain and cognition, Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 9, 58-65. Http://www.nature.com/nrn/journal/v9/n1/abs/nrn2298.html |
| 4 |
Davis, CL & Tomporowski, PD & Boyle, CA & Waller, JL & Miller, PH & Naglieri, JA & Gregoski, M. (2007). Effects of aerobic exercise on overweight children's cognitive functioning: a randomized controlled trial, Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 78(5), 510-519. Http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18274222 |
| 5 |
Viadero, D. (2008). Exercise seen as priming pump for students' academic strides, Education week, 27(23), 14-15. Http://www.edweek.org/login.html?source=http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2008/02/13/23exercise_ep.h27.html&destination=http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2008/02/13/23exercise_ep.h27.html&levelId=2100 |
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