Link to scientific paper: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2748863/
Abstract: “Studies that examine the effects of exercise on children’s intelligence, cognition, or academic achievement were reviewed and results were discussed in light of (a) contemporary cognitive theory development directed toward exercise, (b) recent research demonstrating the salutary effects of exercise on adults’ cognitive functioning, and (c) studies conducted with animals that have linked physical activity to changes in neurological development and behavior. Similar to adults, exercise facilitates children’s executive function (i.e., processes required to select, organize, and properly initiate goal-directed actions). Exercise may prove to be a simple, yet important, method of enhancing those aspects of children’s mental functioning central to cognitive development.”
This is more of a meta-analysis (aggregation of several different studies of the same “kind”).
A more recent confirmation of this study (also a meta-analysis): http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21957711
A recent large-scale trial has commenced to test this intriguing hypothesis (which I think should hold). The trial will complete in 2014. Here it is:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3626787/?report=classic
The experiment design looks solid and very thorough. This is something we need to watch to see the real terms of what exercise can give to a child’s academic achievements.
Yes. I am seeing fabulous results with a girl I used to tutor. She struggled through elementary, but now what she has to walk almost 2 Miles to and from school her academics have improved dramatically. Especially with homework.
Have you read the study about how napping has a huge benefit on preschools ability to retain information?
I have been using those 2 studies to try and enhance learning with my 3 year old. Before we tackle new or rigorous information we do cardiovascular exercise. Then we follow it by a nap.
I am still sorting data to figure out where to place meal times for maximum enhancement.
Oh and we have upped the ante with music. We do that daily now.
I haven’t read the papers about the benefits of napping on academic achievements. I bet it will have a significant impact. I will be away for the rest of the week. I will try to read the papers during my trip. Here’s my reading list:
http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2013/09/18/1306418110.long
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19840054
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23720415
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23893532
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23802509
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16913948
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22709400
The first three are actually the most interesting ones.
About the exercise program: The planned exercise is only 20 min of moderate to vigorous physical activity, which is great. Clinical trial link: http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01699295
Ah, didn’t know there’s a full coverage by BBC:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-24608813
“They claimed that since every 15 minutes of exercise improved performance by an average of about a quarter of a grade, it was possible children who carried out 60 minutes of exercise every day could improve their academic performance by a full grade - for example, from a C to a B, or a B to an A.”
But this is an observational study, unlike the intervention studies I linked above. So, bias should be expected.
Edit:
Companion Paper: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1755296613000501
Original article is:
Booth, JN , Leary, S, Joinson, C, Ness, AR, Tomporowski, P, Boyle, JME & Reilly, JJ 2013, ’ Associations between objectively measured physical activity and academic attainment in adolescents from a UK cohort. ’ British Journal of Sports Medicine .
But I can’t find the pdf yet.