In his book, Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain, John J. Ratey M.D. provides undeniable proof that exercise benefits not only the body but the brain as well.
Neuroscientists have recently uncovered a strong connection between exercise and cognitive function. Studies show that exercise promotes neurogenesis, the growth of new neurons in the brain. For years, it was believed that the number of neurons in the adult brain remained a fixed entity. In Spark, new research shows otherwise. Mice trained on running wheels produced twice as many new neurons as their non-running counterparts. A Japanese study showed that jogging 30 minutes a day for 12 weeks improved executive function (p.55). In a 2007 study, German researchers discovered that the learning rate in people improved 20% after exercise (p.45).
The most persuasive evidence of enhanced learning through exercise can be found in the transformation of a school district in Chicago that has implemented daily exercise programs in its curriculum. Napierville School District 203, for example, has consistently scored among Illinois' top ten schools despite the fact that the amount of money it spends on each student is significantly lower than other top-tier public schools (p.13). Moreover, Napierville Central High School scored first place in Science and sixth in Mathematics in an international test that has usually been aced by students in some Asian countries like Japan and Singapore (p.14).
Showing posts with label exercise and school scores. Show all posts
Showing posts with label exercise and school scores. Show all posts
Monday, December 6, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
How Exercise Helps Children with ADHD
Exercise Helps ADHD by Releasing Natural Mood-Regulating Chemicals
One reason why runners tend to cultivate a lifelong engagement with the activity is the "high" they experience from running. Exercise like running releases endorphins that "calm the brain and relieve muscle pain during strenuous exercise"(117). These "feel good" compounds regulate mood, pleasure and pain. Exercise also elevates levels of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin in the blood. These neurotransmitters regulate the focus, attention and the reward centers of the brain. Ritalin and various stimulants have a direct effect on these brain chemicals as well. However, if exercise can "do the trick," why use medication?
Exercise is a natural and effective remedy for ADHD. It develops the executive functions of the brain which control impulsiveness and hyperactivity. It releases natural mood-regulating brain chemicals that develop focus, attention and a sense of well-being. Ratey insists that these effects can only be generated by consistent activity – daily exercise for 45 minutes to an hour six days a week. The key is to make exercise a life event – part of the child's routines.
Read more at http://adhdchildren.suite101.com/article.cfm/natural_remedy_for_adhd
One reason why runners tend to cultivate a lifelong engagement with the activity is the "high" they experience from running. Exercise like running releases endorphins that "calm the brain and relieve muscle pain during strenuous exercise"(117). These "feel good" compounds regulate mood, pleasure and pain. Exercise also elevates levels of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin in the blood. These neurotransmitters regulate the focus, attention and the reward centers of the brain. Ritalin and various stimulants have a direct effect on these brain chemicals as well. However, if exercise can "do the trick," why use medication?
Exercise is a natural and effective remedy for ADHD. It develops the executive functions of the brain which control impulsiveness and hyperactivity. It releases natural mood-regulating brain chemicals that develop focus, attention and a sense of well-being. Ratey insists that these effects can only be generated by consistent activity – daily exercise for 45 minutes to an hour six days a week. The key is to make exercise a life event – part of the child's routines.
Read more at http://adhdchildren.suite101.com/article.cfm/natural_remedy_for_adhd
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Exercise and the Brain
Exercise and Improvement in School Test Scores
The most persuasive evidence of enhanced learning through exercise can be found in the transformation of a school district in Chicago that has implemented daily exercise programs in its curriculum. Napierville School District 203, for example, has consistently scored among Illinois' top ten schools despite the fact that the amount of money it spends on each student is significantly lower than other top-tier public schools (p.13). Moreover, Napierville Central High School scored first place in Science and sixth in Mathematics in an international test that has usually been aced by students in some Asian countries like Japan and Singapore (p.14).
Read more at http://mindbodyfitness.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_exercise_benefits_the_brain
The most persuasive evidence of enhanced learning through exercise can be found in the transformation of a school district in Chicago that has implemented daily exercise programs in its curriculum. Napierville School District 203, for example, has consistently scored among Illinois' top ten schools despite the fact that the amount of money it spends on each student is significantly lower than other top-tier public schools (p.13). Moreover, Napierville Central High School scored first place in Science and sixth in Mathematics in an international test that has usually been aced by students in some Asian countries like Japan and Singapore (p.14).
Read more at http://mindbodyfitness.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_exercise_benefits_the_brain
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