The Connection between Exercise & Learning.

For many years, Physical Education has moved lower and lower on the list of priorities as a part of a meaningful education. However, more recently, many studies have purported the importance of exercise, not just for the overall health of students but, for their learning capacity.

Now, we're going to get a little science heavy here for a minute but, don't worry, each piece of information will be simplified into easy to understand language as well (in red).

1. Vigorous exercise results in the release of BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) from neurons. BDNF stimulates the growth of new dendrites, forms new synapses and strengthens ionic signals and between neurons.

Exercise builds new, stronger, more efficient connections in your brain. This is called learning.

2. Neurons divide and propagate like other cells in the body. A neural stem cell remains undifferentiated without stimulation, and will eventually die. Exercise results in increased neural propagation and provides stimulation to ensure the new neuron differentiates and incorporates in the brain.

Exercise makes more new neurons and helps them find a job in the brain so they stay alive.

3. As your muscles fatigue, it triggers the release of a hormone, IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1) from muscle cells to the bloodstream. IGF-1 is able to cross the blood-brain barrier where it delivers and promotes the uptake of glucose. Glucose is the only form of energy the brain is able to catabolize, thus fuelling your brain for learning. IGF-1 also promotes the growth of BDNF receptors, which builds the infrastructure of the brain.

Sustained aerobic exercise results in low levels of cellular oxygen. A decrease in cellular oxygen levels will stimulate the release of VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor). VEGF is responsible for triggering the construction of new capillaries in the body and brain. Improved vascularization of the brain promotes neurogenesis, fuel delivery and the delivery of learning-related growth factors like BDNF.

Exercise gives your brain more fuel and building blocks and this helps us learn.

4. Exercise promotes the balancing of neurotransmitters like gamma-aminobutyric acid, glutamate, dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. This can result in increased alertness, attention and motivation to optimize mood and cognition for learning.

Exercise gives us a learning mindset.

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There are many benefits associated with the process of exercising prior to learning, such as:

• Improved memory

• Improved cognitive flexibility

• Improved processing speed

• Reduced anxiety

• Increased attention and focus

• Increased motivation

• Increased confidence

• More social activity and forming more social connections

• Healthier students

That is why, before a block of learning, we encourage students to engage in 15-20 minutes of vigorous physical activity to optimize their brains for learning. This means that their heart rate should climb and their breath rate should increase for best results. At our school, we call it 'Learning Readiness'. Call it what you want, it works!

For more information, please read 'SPARK' by John Ratey.