Exercise increases children’s intellectual ability and improves their performance in school, according to a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

The study shows that besides the well-known health benefits, physical activity has also been proven to develop children’s confidence and social skills.

Exercise and adequate fitness levels were also vital for brain development since they positively influenced energy levels and helped students focus. Moreover, increasing sport activities in school while decreasing the time spent on other subject did not negatively affect students’ grades.

The problem is how to get children to move.- Taru Lintunen

“Multiple research results have shown that exercise is vital for health and well-being. The problem is how to get children to move,” Sports Psychology Professor Taru Lintunen told Yle.

According to Lintunen, the structure of physical education should be renewed and exercise should be made fun and intriguing.

“It is important to focus on learning and developing one’s own skills instead of underlining social comparison. It is just as important to ensure that the environment is psychologically safe and exciting.”

The study was drawn up by 24 researchers from eight countries.