A review of laboratory studies on the acute effects of movement and exercise on cognition in children

Abstract

This chapter presents findings on the acute effects of exercise in children. It introduces recent empirical evidence that movement is important for young children when acquiring abstract concepts. Most studies on the acute effects of exercise on cognition have used aerobic exercises, such as jogging, fast walking or cycling on bicycle ergometers. These exercises lead to an increase in heart rate, which can influence arousal levels. In a within-subjects design, all participants perform all conditions of a task. For example, cognition can be tested after a period of seated rest, after a low-intensity exercise bout or after a high-intensity exercise bout. Devices like heart rate monitors or accelerometry can be used to control for exercise intensities and time-on-task. Experiences with specific sports can influence the effects of exercise on cognition. The effects of acute exercise on cognition are probably caused by the optimization of arousal levels or by changes in neurotransmitter secretion.