Investigating the Connection Between Exercise and Memory Enhancement

The Current Landscape of Physical Activity Among Children

Recent statistics reveal that merely 33% of children engage in daily physical activity. The increasing trend of spending up to 7.5 hours daily in front of screens significantly reduces opportunities for outdoor play. While it is well-established that physical activity benefits children’s physical health, the potential link between exercise and memory improvement warrants further exploration.

Research Overview from Sweden

A team of doctors from County Hospital Ryhov and Jönköping University in Sweden conducted a comprehensive review of research focusing on the effects of physical exercise on children’s cognitive functions. Their findings were published in the journal, Translational Sports Medicine.

Methodology of the Review

To conduct the review, the researchers analyzed national research databases for studies published between 2009 and 2019. Only studies involving young adults that evaluated memory, learning, and exercise were considered. Thirteen relevant studies were identified and included in the final analysis.

Assessment of Exercise and Memory Link

The selected studies investigated various exercise types, memory and learning assessments, and their outcomes. For instance, one study involved participants running on a treadmill for different durations, followed by rest periods, before testing their attention, memory, and planning skills. Another study included a brief stretching session, a two-minute sprint, and subsequent Sudoku puzzles for 30 minutes, followed by memory and learning assessments.

Key Findings and Conclusions

Dr. Peter Blomstrand, a co-author of the study, stated in a press release, “Exercise makes you smart.” The thirteen studies collectively supported the hypothesis that exercise is linked to memory enhancement. One study suggested that the duration of physical activity plays a crucial role in learning, though its impact on memory was less clear.

The intensity of the exercise yielded mixed results, while the timing of exercise was found to be significant; exercising before learning activities was more beneficial than exercising afterward. Improvements in attention and short-term memory were attributed to physical activity, likely stemming from enhancements in the brain’s prefrontal cortex. However, further research is needed to determine the most effective types of exercise for optimizing learning and memory.

Conclusion

Although the review did not identify the optimal exercise for enhancing memory and learning, it reinforces the positive relationship between physical activity and cognitive function.

References

1. Facts & Statistics. HHS.gov. https://www.hhs.gov/fitness/resource-center/facts-and-statistics/index.html. Published 2020. Accessed September 14, 2020.
2. Blomstrand P, Engvall J. Effects of a Single Exercise Workout on Memory and Learning Functions in Young Adults – a Systematic Review. Transl Sports Med. 2020. doi:10.1002/tsm2.190
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