Enhanced Physical Activity Boosts Social Interaction Abilities

A recent study, presented at the American College of Cardiology's 59th annual scientific session, has revealed that physical activity can significantly impact the cognitive and social development of adolescent children.

The research, part of the Life in Action program, is a partnership between Free The Children and The Robert C. and Veronica Atkins Foundation. The program aims to tackle the obesity epidemic in North America by educating and empowering youth to make healthy daily choices, including an active lifestyle.

Dr. Elizabeth Jackson, MD, MPH, assistant professor of medicine, was a co-investigator on the study. She states that schools can be an excellent place to help children start caring for themselves and others.

The study gathered physiological data and responses to questionnaires from 709 public school children in sixth grade. Researchers found that regular physical activity, such as exercising for at least 30 minutes a day, can increase the size of the hippocampus, an area of the brain involved with learning and memory.

Moreover, exercise leads to improved motor skills, better thinking, problem-solving, stronger attention skills, and improved learning. Moderate exercise and participation in team sports also correlated to higher leadership and empathy scores.

Interestingly, children who developed leadership and empathy skills were more likely to care about their own health. These skills, in turn, can influence healthy behaviors in children.

The findings suggest that these skills may lead to life-long healthy behaviors that can prevent heart disease. The children who participated in the study also showed high scores in empathy.

However, further research is needed to gain a better understanding of the correlation between social skills and healthy diet and exercise behaviors. The source of the information is the University of Michigan.

In conclusion, physical activity not only improves mental health, focusing, school performance, sleep, and energy levels, but it also plays a crucial role in the cognitive and social development of adolescent children. Encouraging regular exercise in schools could be a significant step towards fostering a healthier and more empathetic future generation.