Education is about getting the three Rs sorted – Reading, wRiting and aRithmetic. But, this old idea needs a tune up – it seems, academic success requires an additional R. The R that is critical – aeRobics. And you thought I was going to say the ability to Run a computer.

This week’s Neurotechnology Tip reminds you that for academic success, you need to not only exercise your brain, but your body.

Running the numbers

Researchers from Creighton University in Nebraska went back to school in the town of Lincoln.

Students attending public schools in Lincoln were required to take standardized tests for maths and reading, and then run around the block (15-20 m), as fast as they could.

In addition to the brain and fitness test, the researchers also recorded each students BMI i.e. their body mass index, which reflects how many extra layers of fat a person is sporting.

Fit versus fat

Both the maths score and reading test performance was best in the kids who could run around the block, without huffing and puffing too much.

In fact, the aerobically-fit children were 2.4 times more likely to pass the maths test and 2.2 times more likely to pass the reading test, than the aerobically-unfit children.

NOTE : The maths and reading performance, had NOTHING TO DO with how fat the kids are, but how fit they are. Both fat and thin kids can be couch potatoes !

Exercise for brain health

Unfortunately, in a world where there is more and more stuff to learn, the idea of ditching the PE (physical education) class/exercise session, seems to make a lot of sense.

After all, more time sitting at the desk doing reading, writing and arithemetic, should create smarter kids.

But, the brain quite literally needs to RUN those numbers around the block a few times, for it to get it’s head around them.

Counterproductive move

So this weeks Neurotechnology Tip ………….don’t ditch the exercise session so you can study……………this “logical” move, is likely to be counterproductive.

RUN THOSE NUMBERS !

DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2013.01.006