Childhood Exercise and Brain Development
Exercise in early life positively alters adult brain fitness.
Here’s another research-backed link between exercise and brain development to share with parents who don’t yet prioritize their children’s playtime: Kids who are active reap benefits both during childhood and in later life.
A new study by Kobe University researchers in Japan shows that physical activity in early life positively affects brain network development. Many studies have found an association between kids’ fitness and cognitive benefits by linking exercise and brain development; however, this research is the first to show that structural and functional changes in the brain resulting from childhood exercise are the reason people who were active as juveniles have stronger brain network connections as adults.
This improved neural connectivity helps adults avoid impulsive reactions; enhances executive function; and results in a better ability to control attention, behavior, thoughts and emotions.
The study was published in NeuroImage (2021; 237 [118196]).
Shirley Eichenberger-Archer, JD, MA
Shirley Eichenberger-Archer, JD, MA, is an internationally acknowledged integrative health and mindfulness specialist, best-selling author of 16 fitness and wellness books translated into multiple languages and sold worldwide, award-winning health journalist, contributing editor to Fitness Journal, media spokesperson, and IDEA's 2008 Fitness Instructor of the Year. She's a 25-year industry veteran and former health and fitness educator at the Stanford Prevention Research Center, who has served on multiple industry committees and co-authored trade books and manuals for ACE, ACSM and YMCA of the USA. She has appeared on TV worldwide and was a featured trainer on America's Next Top Model.
