Effects of school-based physical activity programs on executive function development in children: a systematic review

Ali Kabiri
Jan 9
1 min read

This systematic review brings together the latest evidence showing that school-based physical activity programs can support key cognitive skills in children — especially inhibitory control and working memory — when activities are sustained and include cognitive challenge, not just exercise. It highlights how movement integrated into the school day can enhance executive function development, which underpins self-regulation, focus, problem-solving, and academic success. For childcare and education settings, this research supports designing active programs that go beyond fitness to also boost thinking and learning capacities in children.

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1658101/full

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