Why Movement Matters: Unlocking Cognitive Growth in Children

Discover how physical activity benefits children’s cognitive development, starting in infancy.

The Role of Physical Activity in Cognitive Development

As parents, we all want to give our children the best start in life. While we often focus on academics and emotional growth, research shows that physical activity can significantly boost brain health and cognitive development. Regular movement doesn’t just keep kids active—it helps them build vital mental skills called executive functions (EF). These are the mental processes that allow children to focus, solve problems, and adapt to challenges.

How Exercise Boosts Cognitive Development

Executive functions, such as working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control, are crucial for goal-directed behavior. Research by Best (2010) has shown that aerobic exercise can enhance these abilities in children. But how does this happen? The answer lies in what’s happening inside the brain during and after physical activity.

When children engage in aerobic exercise—activities that get their heart rates up—their brains release a cocktail of beneficial chemicals. These include:

1. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF): Often referred to as “fertilizer for the brain,” BDNF supports the growth and survival of neurons, improves synaptic connections, and enhances the brain’s ability to adapt and learn.
2. Increased Blood Flow: Physical activity improves blood flow to the brain, particularly the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for executive functions. This increased oxygenation helps the brain perform more efficiently.
3. Neurogenesis: Exercise stimulates the production of new neurons, particularly in areas like the hippocampus, which is involved in memory and learning.
4. Enhanced Connectivity: Over time, regular physical activity strengthens the brain’s neural networks, making it easier for different regions to communicate.

These physiological changes translate into cognitive benefits. Studies have found that children who regularly engage in aerobic activities perform better on tasks requiring focus, problem-solving, and self-regulation.

It All Begins in Infancy

The connection between movement and cognitive development starts even earlier than many parents realize. Research by Robertson et al. (2001) found that motor activities in infancy, such as crawling and reaching, are linked to the development of attention control. These early experiences lay the groundwork for more complex executive functions later in childhood.

Simple activities like tummy time and reaching for toys not only build strength but also help infants learn to focus their attention and shift it between objects—key skills for learning and exploration.

Practical Tips for Parents

How can you integrate these insights into your child’s daily life? Here are some ideas tailored to different age groups:

• Infants: Encourage tummy time, reaching for toys, and crawling through safe, obstacle-filled spaces. These activities promote motor coordination and early problem-solving skills.
• Toddlers: Introduce games like follow-the-leader or simple dances. Activities that combine movement with direction-following help build attention and flexibility.
• School-Age Children: Enroll kids in group sports or activities like soccer, tag, or even dance classes. These combine physical exertion with teamwork and strategy, maximizing the cognitive benefits.

Evidence of Long-Term Benefits

A study by Davis et al. (2011) demonstrated that regular aerobic exercise not only improved executive functions in children but also enhanced academic performance, particularly in math. Similarly, de Greeff et al. (2018) found that physical activity improves attention, working memory, and inhibitory control, critical for both learning and emotional regulation.

A Foundation for Life

The science is clear: Physical activity benefits the brain at every stage of development. From before the first wobbly steps to organized team sports, regular movement enhances not just physical health but also the mental processes that help children succeed in school and life. By encouraging active play and exercise, you’re giving your child the tools they need to think critically, solve problems, and thrive.

So, the next time your child runs across the yard or dances to their favorite song, know that they’re not just having fun—they’re building their brain.

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Citations:

• Best, J. R. (2010). Effects of physical activity on children’s executive function: Contributions of experimental research on aerobic exercise. Developmental Review, 30(4), 331–551.
• Davis CL, Tomporowski PD, McDowell JE, Austin BP, Miller PH, Yanasak NE, Allison JD, Naglieri JA. Exercise improves executive function and achievement and alters brain activation in overweight children: a randomized, controlled trial. Health Psychol. 2011 Jan;30(1):91-8.
• de Greeff, J. W., Bosker, R. J., Oosterlaan, J., Visscher, C., & Hartman, E. (2018). Effects of physical activity on executive functions, attention and academic performance in preadolescent children: a meta-analysis. Journal of science and medicine in sport, 21(5), 501–507. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2017.09.595
• Robertson, S. S., Bacher, L. F., & Huntington, N. L. (2001). The Integration of Body Movement and Attention in Young Infants. Psychological Science, 12(6), 523-526. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-9280.00396