PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN ENHANCING LEARNING AND BRAIN DEVELOPMENT IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS
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Abstract
Physical activity plays a crucial role in promoting health, brain development, and academic achievement among children and adolescents. This article aims to demonstrate the importance of physical activity in enhancing motor skills, cognitive function, and academic performance, particularly in mathematics. Previous studies have shown that physical activities such as walking, running, playing sports, and engaging in aerobic or resistance exercises can stimulate blood circulation and increase oxygen supply to the brain. These activities also enhance the production of neurochemical substances such as BDNF and Irisin, which are essential for neuronal growth and learning capacity. Furthermore, physical activity fosters social skills, positive attitudes toward school, and concentration in the classroom while reducing sedentary behavior and disruptive actions. In the educational context, well-designed and engaging programs such as “Smart Play” can effectively integrate physical activity into daily school routines. These approaches provide students with adequate movement opportunities, which significantly enhance their academic performance. Therefore, this article presents policy and practical guidelines for promoting physical activity in schools to foster holistic development among young learners.
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