Investigating links between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and cognitive performance in elementary school students

BackgroundResearch has noted both physical and psychological benefits when children participate in physical activity. Recent studies indicate there may also be academic benefits and students may be more efficient learners after physical activity. This study investigated the influence of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) on four cognitive processes: planning, attention, simultaneous processing, and successive processing.MethodsParticipants were two classes of fourth-grade students in Ontario (n = 40). Using a counterbalanced design, students in the two classes completed standardized tests for each cognitive process both after no physical activity and following it (20 min MVPA within a 45 min lesson).ResultsThe results indicate that performance on the planning test significantly improved after physical activity (p < 0.001), controlling for sequence and habituation/retesting effects. No improvement was observed for attention, simultaneous processing, or successive processing.ConclusionPlanning is associated with problem solving skills and behaviour self-regulation. These skills may be improved in elementary school students immediately following physical activity.

► The study included two classes of grade four students.
► Four cognitive processes were measured with and without physical activity.
► Physical activity improved performance on the planning task.
► Planning ability is used for problem solving and behaviour regulation.