THE CONTRIBUTION OF EXERCISE TO STUDENT’S INTELLIGENCE AND PERFORMANCE

Recent years have seen a rise in academic interest in the issue of exercise’s effect on students’ IQ. Physical exercise has been demonstrated to improve cognitive abilities including memory, focus, and problem solving (Hillman et al., 2008). There are several ways in which exercise benefits the brain. For instance, it may enhance cognitive performance by increasing cerebral blood flow.

Exercising also boosts the release of feel-good chemicals like endorphins and dopamine in the brain, making you happier and less stressed. Exercising regularly provides other benefits, including better memory and learning and lessening the likelihood of cognitive deterioration in old age. There is mounting evidence that physical activity improves cognitive health and performance.

Physical exercise, for instance, has been associated with enhanced cognitive function, such as enhanced memory, attention, and processing speed. Stress and anxiety, which can have a negative effect on academic performance, are also alleviated by regular exercise. Physical activity has also been demonstrated to boost brain function and assist pupils maintain attention and alertness in the classroom.Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that encourages the development and survival of brain neurons, is also increased by exercise (Cotman & Berchtold, 2002).

Researchers have shown that kids who exercise regularly outperform their less active colleagues in terms of academic achievement (Sibley & Etnier, 2003). One possible explanation for this is that the stress-reducing and mood-boosting effects of exercise (Ratey & Hagerman, 2008) have a multiplicative effect on brain power.

Overall, the research demonstrates that physical activity can improve students’ IQ and performance in the classroom. However, further study is needed to discover the best kinds and quantities of exercise for optimizing cognitive advantages and to understand the processes behind this link.

References

Cotman, C. W., & Berchtold, N. C. (2002). Exercise: A behavioral intervention to enhance brain health and plasticity. Trends in Neurosciences, 25(6), 295-301.

Hillman, C. H., Erickson, K. I., & Kramer, A. F. (2008). Be smart, exercise your heart: Exercise effects on brain and cognition. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 9(1), 58-65.

Ratey, J. J., & Hagerman, E. (2008). Spark: The revolutionary new science of exercise and the brain. Little, Brown and Company.

Sibley, B. A., & Etnier, J. L. (2003). The relationship between physical activity and cognition in children: A meta-analysis. Pediatric Exercise Science, 15(3), 243-256.