Sport for Children: One Hour of Physical Activity Daily Improves Cognitive Abilities

In preadolescents, consistent moderate to vigorous physical activity benefits brain health and enhances cognitive development. From ages 7 to 9, just one hour of daily exercise can improve physical fitness, boost cognitive functions, and enhance school performance.

This is demonstrated by the FITKids study, conducted by researchers from various American universities in collaboration with the University of Tokorozawa (Japan), published recently in Pediatrics.

Movement: Important in Both Adults and Children

Physical inactivity poses a serious global public health threat. While its negative effects on adult health are well documented, less is known about its impact on children. Childhood involves significant brain structure and cognitive activity changes. An active lifestyle during preadolescence may protect brain health throughout life, similar to benefits for physical health. However, the specific effects of sport on key cognitive processes and their neural bases remain unclear.

One Hour of Sport Daily Enhances Brain Function

In the study, 221 American children aged 7 to 9 participated in a 9-month program requiring at least one hour (up to two hours) of daily physical activity. A parallel control group did not engage in sports. Throughout the study, researchers assessed fitness improvements, brain electrical activity, behavioral characteristics, and cognitive abilities using specific tests. Improvements in the physically active group compared to controls appeared within the first week and increased over time. Particularly, sports participation was linked to better flexible behavior—an ability to adapt actions based on external stimuli—which is crucial for school performance. The best results were observed in children exercising more than one hour daily.

More Sport, Greater Cognitive Flexibility

The study authors conclude that their results provide strong evidence of sport’s benefits and recommend more daily opportunities for youth physical activity, such as during school hours. These interventions are relatively simple to implement and could significantly impact population health.

Source: Hillman CH, Pontifex MB, Castelli DM, Khan NA, Raine LB, Scudder MR, Drollette ES, Moore RD, Wu CT, Kamijo K. Effects of the FITKids Randomized Controlled Trial on Executive Control and Brain Function. Pediatrics. 2014 Oct;134(4):e1063-71.