Educational Athletics

Study Supports Improving Memory with Physical Activity

Additional research has demonstrated the connection between physical activity and improved brain function. At this point it should be obvious that physical activity is beneficial for physical health. New evidence supporting physical activity’s positive effects on the brain was recently published by neuroscientists at the University of Geneva. Authors of the article Effect of Acute Physical Exercise On Motor Sequence Memory (2020) “studied the impact of acute physical exercise on motor sequence learning, and its underlying neurophysiological mechanisms in humans memory performance following an exercise session.” They found that even 15 minutes of physical exercise can be enough to improve memory and the brain’s ability to acquire new motor skills.

This work builds on prior research showing the positive effect of physical exercise on associative memory, meaning “the ability to learn and remember the relationships among unrelated items”. The researchers concluded that different brain functions are impacted more positively by various levels of exercise intensity. Importantly, in all cases, they found that any amount of physical exercise is more beneficial for brain development than inaction. Some is better than none!

This information supports the value of holistic mind and body exercise programs and is useful in designing training plans that maximize educational efficiency. Whether you are concerned about memory loss or improving academic and athletic performance simultaneously, incorporating physical exercise in your daily routine is the way to go.