By Ken Reed
The evidence that fit students perform better academically relative to their less fit peers has been piling up in research studies. Physically fit students not only perform better academically, they focus better in the classroom, have fewer behavioral problems, less absenteeism, and, of course, are healthier.
Now a new study reveals that athletes perform better on some cognitive tasks than their non-athletic peers. The study led by Arthur Kramer of the University of Illinois indicated that athletes’ brains take in and respond to new information quicker than non-athletes.
All in all, the new findings add to the evidence that those who spend years training on specific physical tasks tend to also have enhanced cognitive abilities, Kramer said.
It’s just more ammunition for the argument that daily cardiovascular-based physical education is needed in our schools.
— Ken Reed, Sports Policy Director, League of Fans
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