Exercise ‘can improve grades’

Scientists pooled data from previous research in the area with participants aged between six and 18.

The authors, led by Dr Amika Singh, from Vrije University Medical Centre in Amsterdam, wrote in the journal Archives of Paediatrics & Adolescent Medicine: “According to the best-evidence synthesis, we found strong evidence of a significant positive relationship between physical activity and academic performance. “The findings of one high-quality intervention study and one high-quality observational study suggest that being more physically active is positively related to improved academic performance in children.”

Exercise may help mental faculties by increasing blood and oxygen flow to the brain, reducing stress and improving mood. It may also boost levels of growth factors that help generate new nerve cells and assist the “rewiring” of neurons.