Does Physical Activity Improve Academic Performance in Adolescents? By: Cynthia Norton

Does Physical Activity Have a Positive or Negative Impact on Academic Performance?  Schools around the nation are decreasing physical education, P.E. and recess time, due to increasing demands to higher academic testing scores.  CDC Published a review of 50 studies, that focused on four areas of physical activity: Physical Education, Recess, Classroom- based Activities and Extracurricular activities.  Theory- More time in class room = improved academics?

More Than 50% of Studies Showed Positive Association  Recess and Classroom based activities had the highest results.  A total of 251 associations between physical activity and academic performance were measured.  The most commonly measured indicator of academic performance was cognitive skills and attitudes.  Positive associations were found across in all 4 areas.  Study concluded that physical activity during the school day did not detract from academic performance and No negative impacts.

Positive Association Between Physical Activity and Academic Performance 50% of studies showed Positive association Benefits: Improved Test Scores & Grades Boosted Memory & Concentration Improved Cognitive Skills Increased Self-esteem & Confidence Strengthened Social Skills & Problem Solving Reduced Stress & Anxiety Physical activity during the school day did not detract from academic performance and there were no negative impacts.

Brain Development Works in Tandem with Cognitive Development & Motor Ability?  Van Pragg – Aerobic Exercise Experiment 1999 Running Wheel Normal Cage Results: *Hippocampus 2x as large. *Faster at spatial tasks/ water maze test. *Learning & memory functions improved.

Brain Development Works in Tandem with Cognitive Development & Motor Ability? Results: *Thicker cerebral cortices. *Response time quicker. *Improved Cognitive skills Poor Environment Enriched Environment  M. Diamond – Social Experiment 1964

The basic finding of dendritic growth in response to environmental stimulation appears in all brains studied to date. It would appear that newness and challenge are important for the human cortex as well as for that of animals.

Results Found:  Exercise stimulates the Hippocampus – area of brain that is responsible for working memory, emotions & learning.  Boosts the levels of BDNF - a brain derived neurotropic factor, that is essential for growth of brain cells.  Cerebral Cortex was thickened – responsible for higher cognitive processing  Improve cognitive, memory & social development (The majority of what we have learned has been done with animal research due to ethical considerations, however this research has given us a better understanding on how physical activity improves cognitive & social development.)

Recommended Physical Exercise Guidelines  American Guideline Recommends 60 minutes a day of physical activity. Through Various Forms of Exercise.

Physical activity can affect the brain’s physiology by increasing:  Increases Oxygen level & Blood Flow to the brain & Stimulates brain activity.  Improved Concentration & Being On Task at School.  Cerebral capillary growth  Growth of nerve cells in the hippocampus. (center of learning & memory).  Development of nerve connections.  Increases brain tissue volume  Improved Test Scores

Best Kind of Exercise Comes from Unstructured Play!! Adolescents Develop:  Social & Cooperative Skills  Better Language Skills  Stimulates Creative Problem Solving Skills. Examples:  Free to play with out direction from adults.  When kids pretend together.  Explore& investigate  Engage in their own creative play.

Conclusion Through research we have a better understanding that motor skills & cognitive functions work together in a dynamic interaction. When adolescents engage in physical activity it has a positive impact on cognitive development. Many physiological changes occur that improves their cognitive skills & helps them achieve academically. Benefits include: Improved attention & better concentration Boosted memory Quicker response time Verbal & Math skills higher Increased self esteem & self confidence Improved test scores & better grades Adolescents benefit from all forms of physical activity; emotionally, physically and academically.

References:  CDC.” The Association Between School-Based Physical Activity, Including Physical Education, and Academic Performance”. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services;  Van Pragg,Christie,B. Sejnowski,T. Gage, F.”Running Enhances Neurogenesis, Learning, and Long Term Potentiation on Mice”. San Diego, CA: Salk Institute of Biology;  Tomporowski,D.David,C. Miller, P. Naglieri,J.”Exercise and Children’s Intelligence, Cognition, and Academic Achievement”: Springer Science;  Gwen,D.”The Cognitive Benefits of Play: Effects on the Learning Brain”.