What is the correlation between exercise and academic achievement? Scientific evidence and habits to develop the brain

Is it true that "children who are good at sports are also good at studying"? Survey reveals the relationship with academic ability

The saying "children who are good at sports are also good at studying" has scientific backing.
According to data from multiple domestic and international surveys, there is a positive correlation between academic ability and athletic ability.
For example, it has been reported that children who perform well on physical fitness tests tend to also perform well on academic achievement tests.

There is also data showing that children who regularly participate in sports or who belong to sports clubs have higher academic scores than those who do not. This relationship is thought to be due to the positive effects that exercise has on brain function.

Why does exercise make you smarter? Three brain science reasons why it improves academic performance

The reason why exercise contributes to improved academic performance is due to the scientific changes that occur in the brain.
Physical activity strengthens neural networks in the brain, improving the cognitive skills and focus needed for learning.
Specifically, it promotes the secretion of certain brain substances and activates the areas of the brain that control memory.

Here we will explain the three main effects of exercise on the brain from a neuroscience perspective.

BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), which increases the number of nerve cells in the brain, is activated.

When you exercise, your brain releases a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).
BDNF is also known as "brain nutrition" because it promotes the development and growth of neurons, which are the brain's nerve cells, and strengthens the connections between cells.

In particular, in the hippocampus, which plays an important role in memory and learning, BDNF secretion promotes the generation of new neurons.
Exercise activates BDNF, strengthening the brain's foundation for learning new information and consolidating it into memory.

Dopamine is released, which increases motivation to learn

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter involved in pleasure and motivation, and is also known as the "motivation hormone."
Exercise stimulates the release of dopamine.
This gives you a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment, similar to that of achieving a goal, which directly leads to increased motivation to study.

When dopamine is released, interest and curiosity in things increase, and a positive attitude towards learning activities is fostered.
By making exercise a habit, your concentration and stamina for studying will naturally improve.

Improves the function of the hippocampus, which controls memory, and improves learning efficiency

The hippocampus plays an important role in temporarily storing new information in the brain and consolidating it into long-term memory.
When exercise improves blood flow throughout the body, blood flow to the brain, especially the hippocampus, also increases.

This ensures that the hippocampus receives sufficient oxygen and nutrients, activating nerve cells and promoting the production of new cells.
Improving hippocampal function increases the ability to efficiently remember learned content, resulting in increased learning efficiency.

What effective exercises can you start today that will improve your academic performance?

Even if you understand that exercise is effective in improving academic performance, you may be unsure of what to do specifically.
No special training is required, just add a little to your daily routine and you can expect results.

It is especially effective to incorporate light exercise in the morning when your brain is more alert.
Here we will introduce specific exercise menus that are effective in improving thinking ability and concentration, and directly lead to improved academic performance.

Aerobic exercise (jogging, swimming, etc.) that develops both mental and physical strength

Aerobic exercise such as jogging, swimming, and dancing, when done continuously for a certain period of time, improves cardiopulmonary function and promotes blood circulation throughout the body.
This increases the amount of oxygen delivered to the brain, activating brain cells.

In particular, aerobic exercise is said to be highly effective in activating the prefrontal cortex, which controls thinking and creativity, and promoting the secretion of BDNF, which improves memory.
It is extremely effective in improving academic ability because it simultaneously develops problem-solving skills that require complex thinking, as well as the physical strength needed to persevere in learning.

Coordination exercises that improve brain processing ability

Coordination exercises are exercises that improve the brain's ability to process information received through the eyes and ears and move the body precisely.
For example, this includes exercises that involve performing multiple movements simultaneously, such as stepping while throwing a ball or learning dance choreography.

These complex movements train the brain's executive functions, such as information processing speed, judgment, and attention.
As a result, you will improve your ability to organize multiple pieces of information while studying and quickly understand the intent of a question.
This training kills two birds with one stone by improving athletic ability and strengthening the brain's working memory at the same time.

10 minutes of light exercise before studying can improve your concentration

Even if it's difficult to find time for serious exercise, simply incorporating 10 minutes of light exercise right before you start studying can improve your learning effectiveness.
Even a light jump in place or a brisk walk that gets you a little out of breath will increase your heart rate and blood flow to your brain.

This puts your brain in a state of alertness that is ideal for learning, improving your focus and attention.
In particular, doing this before you start studying can help you transition smoothly into your studies and make it easier to remember the content.

Don't miss the golden age of motor development

The period from around 9 to 12 years old is generally known as the "golden age," and is said to be the time when motor skills are most developed.

During this period, children's brains are flexible enough to see and immediately imitate new movements, and their nervous system development reaches its peak. For this reason, it is extremely important to let children experience a variety of physical activities during this period. Rather than specializing in a particular sport, developing basic physical control skills such as a sense of balance and dexterity through activities such as tag, tree climbing, and various ball games will build the foundation for lifelong motor skills.

Three tips to keep exercising without straining yourself

Even though we know that exercise has a positive effect on academic performance, it is not easy to get children to continue exercising.
The important thing is to help children see exercise as something fun, rather than something they have to do, and to make it a natural habit as part of their daily lives.

Here are three specific tips to help your child continue exercising comfortably and enjoyably.

Start with exercises that parents and children can enjoy together

One of the most effective ways to get your child into the habit of exercising is for you to enjoy it together.
Children watch their parents' behavior closely, and if their parents seem to be having fun, they will naturally become interested.

Try incorporating exercise as a way for parents and children to communicate with each other, such as playing catch in the park on the weekend, going cycling together, or even doing some simple dancing.
By sharing such fun experiences, children will develop a positive image of exercise and will be more likely to move their bodies voluntarily.

Incorporating exercise into daily play

It is important not to think of exercise as something special, but to find ways to incorporate it into your daily life.
In addition to taking advantage of extracurricular activities, try to incorporate physical activity into your child's everyday play.

For example, if you are conscious of it, there are plenty of opportunities to exercise, such as taking a slightly longer route when shopping, playing actively on the playground equipment in the park, or playing balloon volleyball at home.
By moving their bodies as an extension of play, children can naturally improve their physical strength and motor skills without feeling like they are exercising.

Take advantage of extracurricular activities such as swimming lessons and physical education classes

Maintaining motivation is essential to continuing to exercise.
For this reason, one option is to send your child to a kids' school such as a swimming school or physical education school.
By attending the school, you can not only enjoy receiving instruction from professionally qualified coaches, but also practice with friends of the same age, which will motivate you to want to come back again.
In addition, setting "small goals" that allow children to feel a sense of accomplishment also helps maintain and improve their motivation.
When looking for a school to take up extracurricular activities, it may be a good idea to pay attention to this "curriculum" when making your selection.

And when children achieve their goals, it's important to give them specific praise for their efforts.
This accumulation of successful experiences builds confidence and leads to improved self-esteem.
This will motivate you to work towards your next goal, creating a positive cycle of continuing to exercise.

Frequently asked questions about athletics and academic achievement

We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions from parents and educators regarding the relationship between physical activity and academic achievement.
We will provide concise answers to specific questions such as exercise intensity, how to approach children who are not good at exercise, and the appropriate age to start exercising.

Please use this as a reference when incorporating exercise into your daily life.

Doesn't intense exercise have any effect on academic performance?

No, you can expect results even if it is not strenuous exercise.
Even aerobic exercise such as walking or light jogging promotes blood flow to the brain, which has a positive effect on concentration and memory.

What's important is consistency rather than intensity.
In terms of the relationship between academic ability and athletic ability, it is important to develop the habit of exercising within the limits of what you enjoy.

What should I do if my child is not good at sports?

There is no need to force your child to play a particular sport.
It is important to start with physical activities that the person finds enjoyable.
For example, increase opportunities for physical activity by extending play, such as playing tag, dancing, or taking walks around the neighborhood.

By enjoying the activity, children will become less afraid of exercise and will naturally develop basic motor skills.

What is the ideal age to start exercising to improve academic performance?

There is no specific ideal age, but it is advisable to expose children to a variety of movements from an early age, when their nervous system is undergoing rapid development.

In particular, by being exposed to a variety of sports during the "golden age" (around 9 to 12 years old), when athletic ability develops dramatically, children will build a foundation for lifelong physical activity.
It's important to incorporate exercise that is enjoyable for all ages.

My Feelings, Then and Now

There is a clear positive correlation between exercise and academic achievement that is based on neuroscience evidence.
Exercise stimulates the secretion of brain chemicals such as BDNF and dopamine, and enhances the function of the hippocampus, the center of memory, thereby directly improving cognitive abilities such as concentration and memory, which are necessary for learning.

The important thing is not to play a special sport, but to make it a habit to move your body in your daily life, such as by walking or playing.
In order to maximize your child's potential, it is important to develop a balanced lifestyle between exercise and study.
The Central Institute of Sports (CIS) has published a report titled "Exercise has a positive effect on children's brain function and academic performance," which explains the short- and long-term effects of exercise on the brain and its relationship to academic performance. If you have time, please take a look!