Cognitive Development and Exercise
Although there has not been much evidence to
show a direct impact of exercise on cognition, exer-
cise has been theorized to help in the development of
cognitive ability. Some studies have shown the use of
small muscle exercises to increase brain growth, al-
though whether this leads to improved cognitive abil-
ity has not been determined.
One study compared children who exercised with
children who did not exercise. Children who exer-
cised performed better on a standardized test than
children who were not in the exercise group. This
study suggests that children who regularly exercise
may perform better in school.
Social Development and Exercise
Exercise can be used as a tool to achieve socializa-
tion. Many different exercises play a role in socializa-
tion: partnered exercise such as dancing help
children learn to cooperate; games and dances passed
on from older generations help to inculturate chil-
dren; and group sports teach teamwork as well as
sportsmanship.
Self-esteem is directly influenced by exercise by
providing the opportunity for children to explore
their bodies’ abilities. This exploration molds chil-
dren’s self-concept. When exercise is based on indi-
vidual performance levels and improvements are
made, increased self-esteem often results. By using
tools such as self-talk, goal-setting, and self-
assessment, exercise can help children gain a more
positive self-concept and better self-esteem. Positive
self-esteem leads to improved cognitive and social de-
velopment.
The Right Amount of Exercise
In normally active children, exercise-related inju-
ries and problems are few and far between. Physical
education teachers, coaches, and doctors can typically
provide the supervision necessary to prevent harm
from occurring. Teachers and coaches are educated
specifically about exercise in children. Professionals
who work closely with children can help each child
determine his or her own limits.
The primary risk associated with exercise is over-
use injuries such as muscle strains, tendonitis, stress
fractures, and other soft tissue damage. These are
typically caused by doing too much too soon and are
usually repaired by resting the injured area.
Two areas of concern specific to children are inju-
ries to the growth plate and increased risk of heat ex-
haustion/heat stroke. Children’s bones have weak
areas near each end where growth takes place. These
are called growth plates and are susceptible to break-
age. Also, for children competing at an elite level in
high-impact sports such as gymnastics there is an in-
creased risk of a premature closing of this growth
plate, which could result in stunted growth. By in-
creasing exercise intensities gradually over time,
these types of injuries can be avoided.
Children’s body temperature regulation has not
yet matured so there is increased risk of temperature
misregulation during exercise. Children are more
susceptible than adults to heat exhaustion and heat
stroke in extreme heat conditions and to hypother-
mia in chilly water. These extreme temperature con-
ditions should be avoided whenever possible or
children should be closely monitored while exercising
at these times.
Parents of preteen girls are often concerned
about exercise’s impact on the menstrual cycle. En-
durance sports such as running and swimming pro-
mote lean body mass, yet a certain amount of body fat
is necessary for proper menstrual function. Late onset
of menstruation or the cessation of menstruation can
be caused by extreme lean body composition. This
does not, however, appear to lead to long-term repro-
ductive health problems.
All children, even those with chronic illnesses
such as asthma and diabetes and those with motor
dysfunction, must include exercise as part of a total
fitness program. All children can engage in exercise
that will increase their overall heath. In special cases,
professionals such as doctors, teachers, and coaches
can work together to create an exercise program that
will benefit the health and self-esteem of a child.
Regular exercise is important to the development
of healthy children. With proper use of exercise prin-
ciples and good professional supervision, exercise can
help all children develop into healthy adults.See also: MOTOR DEVELOPMENTBibliography
Armstrong, Neil, and Joanne Welsman. Young People and Physical
Activity. New York: Oxford University Press, 1997.
‘‘Exercise (Physical Activity) and Children.’’ In the American Heart
Association [web site]. Dallas, Texas, 2000. Available from
http://www.americanheart.org/Heart_and_Stroke_A_Z_
Guide/exercisek.html; INTERNET.
Paˇrízková, Jana. Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Health in Early Life.
Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1996.
Rowland, Thomas W. Exercise and Children’s Health. Champaign, IL:
Human Kinetics Books, 1990.
Shawn R. A. Svoboda-BarberEXERCISE 143