Study: Exercise May Help Kids Do Better In School

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- We all want our kids to do good in school. Now, a new study shows If you want your child to get better grades you may want to make sure they're getting physically active.

Researchers in the Netherlands analyzed 14 studies from the United States, Canada and South Africa and found strong evidence of a relationship between physical activity and academic performance.

"Increased circulation to the brain, it may have some positive effects in terms of the neurotransmitters, the chemicals that are responsible for behavior and learning and even in terms of attention span," said Dr. Andrew Adesman.

Most of the studies focused on the physical activity kids got at school, from gym class to sports clubs. But many school systems are cutting sports and physical education programs to save money.

Pediatricians hope these new findings will put an emphasis back on exercise.

"What we can't do is continue to cut physical activity from the schedule of children in grade school with the thought that it's going to improve their academics. In fact it may work against us," Adesman said.