Q: I read that increased exercise can boost academic performance in students. Is this true?
A: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently published a thorough review of 50 studies looking at this issue. They found that physical activity may help advance academic performance for many students, with improvements noted in cognitive skills, academic attitudes, concentration, memory, self-esteem and verbal skills. There were no findings of negative impact. It is recommended that children ages 6 to 17 get at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Schools can and should provide opportunities to help meet this requirement through PE classes, recess and activities in classrooms such as movement activities, physical activity breaks, movement-based learning techniques and extracurricular physical activities.
– Dr. Tonia Cox, Memorial Pediatric Care Associates; member, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society
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