Why exercise makes kids smarter
Testing children after a 20 minute session on a walking mill showed that these children performed better in behavior and academic tests after the exercise, than they did on days when they were allowed to rest, instead of exercise.
The reason why were not determined in this study, but it is possible that the gene named AMPK plays a role. Exercise activates AMPK and improves cognitive function by helping neural stem cells to reproduce and become new brain cells
The study authors also found that the cognitive benefits declined as more time passed, and they plan to look at the timing in future studies. Determining how frequently physical activity should be scheduled in-between learning and testing would be very helpful information for schools and students.
Professor Darla Castelli made the following recommendations;
scheduling outdoor recess as a part of each school day
offering formal physical education 150 minutes per week at the elementary level, 225 minutes at the secondary level;
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090331183800.htm
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090331183800.htm
