A new study from the University of Tsukuba researchers tested whether physical activity interventions lead to improved cognitive skills in children. Results were astonishing!
- The benefits of regular exercise on cognition were greater in children who have poor cognitive performance before the intervention.
- Spending time on physical activity did not hinder cognition in children who already had good cognitive performance before the intervention.
How the study was conducted
- The first way was by testing the ability to suppress impulses and inhibit reflex-like behaviors or habits.
- The second skill they tested was the ability to hold information in working memory and process it.
- Mental flexibility – asking children to frequently switch the rules for categorizing colored circles and squares form shapes-based to color based.
After daily intervention with physical activity, such as aerobic activities, ball games, and playing simple games such as tag. The results were amazing!
Daily physical activity can improve cognitive functions in children.
Kids and communities without a doubt need a place to run and play EVERYDAY. Places such as playgrounds, courts and facilities that give them the opportunity to stay healthy thus decreasing overweight/obesity which consequently lowers the risk of many cancers and diseases.
Dazing Results
The findings found that cognitive skills which have been shown to closely associate with academic performance improved in children, especially for those whose skills were initially low. The study also found that regular physical activity did not negatively affect cognitive function in children who started out with better cognitive functions.
The recent study determined that daily physical activity can improve executive function in children who might need it the most.
This is nothing new to us however, this is the most recent studies on the importance of physical activity. The areas of attention, thinking, language, learning, and memory are improved by regular physical activity. Results suggest that engaging in physical activity positively influences cognitive and emotional functions. (National Institute of Health)
Physical activity is extremly critical for school-aged children. The findings can help educational institutions design appropriate systems for maximizing the effects of physical activity and excise.
Think about it
Limited physical activity, or often a complete lack thereof, leads to various health problems, including posture problems, somatic conditions, being overweight and obese, problems with circulation, and even premature death. There is increasing empirical evidence of a relationship between a lack of physical activity and mental health measures. For instance, research suggests that overweight adolescents who do not practice sports are more prone to risk behaviors, including suicide attempts and addiction to both alcohol and illicit drugs. The list goes on…
RUN AND PLAY’s mission is to change the world by addressing the worldwide problem of obesity by promoting healthy living through physical activity. It is a matter of life and death that we address this issue, that is being highlighted by the lack thereof physical activity in the current worldwide trends. Certainly, just being physically active is not the only key to a healthy lifestyle. It is just one major part in our quest to eradicate obesity in the world.
