Bottom Line:

Years ago, researchers believed that the health benefits of exercise were limited to the body. However, recent research has indicated that regular physical activity and movement can benefit both the body and brain. We're seeing that movement supplies the brain cells with oxygen, promotes the production of new cells, and aides in creating synapses (connections in the brain).

Why it Matters:

With many schools reducing physical education classes, and even more students moving towards e-learning, you want to be sure to encourage your child to exercise each day.

Movement triggers the release of many chemical substances in the brain that enhance brain function. In many ways, exercising each day is likely to make your child a better student, in many ways!

• Brain Function: Movement may protect your brain against degenerative changes.
• Stress Reduction: Exercise and movement have been shown to decrease stress and have an antidepressant effect.
• Memory: Regular exercise can help memory and thinking in both direct and indirect ways.

Next Steps:

In the past, we may have considered exercise and physical education classes to be a distraction from learning. Now we have come to understand that movement and exercise play an integral role in learning and brain function.

Daily movement and exercise are healthy for both your child's body and brain. If your child struggles to get enough exercise due to pain or postural issues, schedule an appointment with us today. Our posture and movement assessments are designed to identify abnormal patterns, and our care can help your child feel better so that they can stay active and become the best student possible!

Science Source(s):

• Learning Up Regulates Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor Messenger RNA. BN. 2019.
• The Anti-depressant Effect of Running. International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology. 2005.
• Regular Exercise Changes the Brain to Improve Memory. Harvard Health Publishing. 2014.