How a Surprisingly Simple Activity Could Boost Kids’ Brain Function
What the study examined
Researchers enrolled 104 children aged 9 to 10. Participants had to be fit enough for a moderate-intensity walk, have a normal IQ, speak, read and write in English, and have no prior diagnosis of neurological disease or a neurodevelopmental disorder, including ADHD.
Before and after each activity, the children took a modified flanker task on a computer. It tested their ability to suppress a response and ignore irrelevant distractions, skills linked to executive function.
Comparing activity and rest
The study compared a 20-minute brisk walk with periods of rest and a psychosocial stress test. Researchers examined changes in salivary alpha-amylase, or sAA, after the activities. After exercise, sAA changes indicated that norepinephrine fell below its initial level. This differed from the results when children rested or completed the stress test.
Possible immediate effects
Charles Hillman, the study’s senior author, said exercise may leave the brain energized even after the activity ends. He described this as a possible explanation for immediate cognitive improvement.
Key points
- The study included 104 children aged 9 to 10 who met specified health and language criteria.
- Children completed a computer task that assessed their ability to ignore distractions.
- Researchers found a post-exercise change in sAA associated with lower norepinephrine.
- Hillman said a brisk walk may be followed by immediate cognitive improvement.