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The short- and long-term cognitive benefits of both a single session of and regular participation in physical activity are summarized.īefore outlining the health benefits of physical activity and fitness, it is important to note that many factors influence academic performance.

Because research in older adults has served as a model for understanding the effects of physical activity and fitness on the developing brain during childhood, the adult research is briefly discussed. Correlational research examining the relationship among academic performance, physical fitness, and physical activity also is described. This chapter reviews the findings of recent research regarding the contribution of engagement in physical activity and the attainment of a health-enhancing level of physical fitness to cognitive and brain health in children. In children, brain health can be measured in terms of successful development of attention, on-task behavior, memory, and academic performance in an educational setting. In adults, brain health, representing absence of disease and optimal structure and function, is measured in terms of quality of life and effective functioning in activities of daily living. Given that the brain is responsible for both mental processes and physical actions of the human body, brain health is important across the life span. The relationship of physical activity and physical fitness to cognitive and brain health and to academic performance is the subject of this chapter. The idea that healthy children learn better is empirically supported and well accepted (Basch, 2010), and multiple studies have confirmed that health benefits are associated with physical activity, including cardiovascular and muscular fitness, bone health, psychosocial outcomes, and cognitive and brain health (Strong et al., 2005 see Chapter 3). Although presently understudied, physically active lessons offered in the classroom may increase time on task and attention to task in the classroom setting.Īlthough academic performance stems from a complex interaction between intellect and contextual variables, health is a vital moderating factor in a child’s ability to learn.

Given the importance of time on task to learning, students should be provided with frequent physical activity breaks that are developmentally appropriate.

Magazine on effects of jumping in children