We often talk about the physical benefits of exercise practice, but what is true about "Mens sana in corpore sano"? A work prepared by the Observatory of Health of Children and Adolescents FAROS shows that Physical activity is directly related to the improvement of children's cognitive performance..
If a child acquires daily physical activity habits and practices sport on a regular basis (at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity and 30 of vigorous activity almost every day of the week) he can acquire the following advantages at a cognitive level:
- You will acquire a better academic performance and a greater attention span.
- You will be less likely to suffer from depressive or anxiety disorders.
- It will improve your mood and emotional state.
These improvements are due to the modification of the brain structure of the growing child, as shown by various studies:
Physical exercise is taking a prominent place as a factor capable of modifying brain function and structure, providing clear benefits in cognitive performance and psychological well-being (...). Running, jumping, playing in continuous movement are attitudes that appear naturally and spontaneously in children, especially in children. And it turns out that these activities favor the use of brain energy.
On the other hand, at a psychological and social level, the child:
- It will improve your psychological well-being, self-confidence and self-esteem.
- It will favor their socialization and autonomy.
- Acquire certain values such as perseverance, perseverance, humility, effort, teamwork, discipline, cooperation, companionship ...
We can see these conclusions in the VII FAROS notebook, coordinated by Dr. Franchek Drobnic, (physiologist of F. C. Barcelona and head of the Department of Sports Research of the High Performance Center of Sant Cugat), in a work entitled "Physical activity improves learning and school performance. The benefits of exercise in the integral health of the child at the physical, mental level and in the generation of values. "
This is an interesting reading that delves into the previous conclusions, but also highlights the physical advantages, more known, of the practice of exercise and children's sports. The authors are specialists in neurology, psychiatry, nutrition, surgery, immunoalergies ... and also athletes and ex-competitors.
Finally, remember that the best way to include healthy habits in children is by example, and that the joint practice of exercise between parents and children is the best way to do it. Whether for the undoubted health benefits of our body, or for cognitive improvements, it is worth dedicating the necessary time to physical activity.
