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Exercise and Children's Intelligence, Cognition, and Academic Achievement
Phillip D Tomporowski1, Catherine L Davis, Patricia H Miller
1P. D. Tomporowski · P. H. Miller; Department of Kinesiology, University of Georgia, 330 River Road 115 Ramsey, Athens, GA 30602, USA
Educational Psychology Review
|September 25, 2009
Summary
Regular physical activity boosts children's executive functions, which are crucial cognitive skills for goal-directed actions. Exercise offers a simple yet effective way to enhance these mental functions, supporting overall cognitive development.
Area of Science:
- Child Development
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Existing research indicates exercise benefits adult cognitive function.
- Animal studies link physical activity to neurological development and behavioral changes.
- Contemporary cognitive theories are exploring the role of exercise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review studies on exercise's impact on children's intelligence, cognition, and academic achievement.
- To discuss findings in the context of current cognitive theories and animal research.
- To determine if exercise enhances executive functions in children.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of existing literature.
- Analysis of studies examining exercise effects on cognitive outcomes in children.
- Discussion integrating findings with cognitive theory, adult research, and animal studies.
Main Results:
- Exercise positively influences children's executive functions.
- Executive functions include skills for selecting, organizing, and initiating goal-directed actions.
- Findings align with research on exercise benefits in adults and animals.
Conclusions:
- Exercise is a potent facilitator of children's executive functions.
- Physical activity may be a key method for improving cognitive functioning in children.
- Enhancing executive functions through exercise supports critical aspects of cognitive development.
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