Translating the neuroscience of physical activity to education

Over the past two decades, a body of research has emerged that suggests that physical activity has beneficial effects on the brain's structure and function. During the same period, concern has mounted over high rates of childhood obesity. Considering that schools have been called on to both improve academic achievement and childhood obesity rates, it is surprising that schools have not exploited research on physical activity's cognitive effects. However, a closer examination of the literature reveals major gaps in knowledge that hinder neuroscientific findings from being readily translated into practice. Here, we provide an overview of research on physical activity's cognitive effects. We then identify the most pressing gaps in knowledge and make suggestions for how they can be addressed.