Scientists know exercise increases brain activity in students, and they study when it’s best for them to do it.

Scientists know exercise increases brain activity in students, and they study when it’s best for them to do it.
Photo Credit: CBC

Scientists test the value of exercise at school

New research from the Netherlands adds to the evidence that exercise is good for learning and Canadian scientists are testing that in their own way.

The Dutch study tested 500 young students who exercised while they studied math and other who sat still as they studied. Those who exercised had higher scores.

Scientist Jennifer Yessis is studying the value of having students exercise before the school day begins.
Scientist Jennifer Yessis is studying the value of having students exercise before the school day begins.

Increasing brain activity

“We know that moderate to vigorous physical activity increases brain activity. It helps to sharpen the ability to focus,” says Jennifer Yessis, a scientist at the University of Waterloo.

“We know that increases in physical activity may result in improved executive functioning such as working memory. And students are likely, in this case, very engaged when they’re focussed on physical activity and learning at the same time which may improve learning.”

Listen

Not enough exercise at school, says group

Canada was given as C+ in 2014 for providing physical activity at school. The grade was awarded in a survey by the advocacy group ParticipACTION. Efforts to increase physical activity vary across the country.

Yessis and colleagues at the University of Waterloo are conducting a five-year study to measure the effects of providing physical activity before the school day begins. She invites schools to participate. Results of such studies can help school boards to determine where to focus their efforts to use exercise to improve learning.

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