The Role of Movement in Academic Success

1. Introduction: Movement as a learning mechanism

Movement is not merely a break from academic work – it is a biological and cognitive enhancer. Physiological changes associated with physical activity (increased blood flow, neurotransmitter release and brain-derived neurotrophic factor) support neuron growth and memory formation¹. These mechanisms help explain why movement influences cognition and why educators advocate integrating movement into everyday practice.

2. Theoretical foundations

Embodied cognition

Embodied cognition proposes that cognitive processes are rooted in bodily interaction with the environment. Studies suggest that movement integrated with academic content enhances conceptual understanding and retention because it anchors abstract information into bodily experience.²

Neuroplasticity and brain health

Physical activity promotes neuroplasticity—the brain’s capacity to adapt and reorganize itself. Increased cerebral blood flow, capillary growth, and production of neurotrophins during movement all contribute to enhanced cognitive function, especially in areas like the hippocampus that are essential for memory and learning.³

3. Empirical evidence: movement enhances academic outcomes

3.1 Childhood and school-age students

Active Lessons Improve Performance

A systematic review of studies involving 29,460 schoolchildren found that physically active academic lessons improved both total physical activity and academic performance outcomes (including test scores and engagement).⁴

Classroom Physical Activity Boosts On-Task Behavior

Classroom-based movement activities (such as brief physical breaks) have been shown to improve on-task behavior and classroom engagement, which are precursors to academic success.⁵

Specific Academic Skills Benefit from Movement

Research directly assessing the effects of regular physical activity shows improvements in cognitive processes tied to academic skills such as mathematics, language, reading, and composite achievement scores.⁶

3.2 Adolescents and self-concept

For adolescents, physical activity positively influences academic performance both directly and indirectly through self-concept and well-being. Students who are more active report stronger self-concept and mental health, which help explain better academic outcomes.⁷

3.3 Acute effects: even short bursts help

Studies demonstrate that even brief bouts of movement, such as a short walk before cognitive tasks, can enhance memory and problem-solving performance across age groups. This suggests that cognitive benefits are not limited to long-term exercise habits but can be triggered by acute physical activity.⁸

4. Mechanisms linking movement to learning

Researchers have identified several causal pathways through which movement supports academic success:

4.1 Enhanced executive function

Executive functions – such as working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility – are foundational for academic tasks like reading comprehension and problem-solving. Physical activity enhances these functions, especially through aerobic exercise and structured physical play.⁹

4.2 Increased attention and engagement

Movement increases attention span and classroom engagement, likely due to physiological arousal and reduced cognitive fatigue. Active breaks help students return to academic work with improved focus.¹⁰

4.3 Emotional and motivational gains

Movement contributes to positive emotions, motivation, and self-efficacy—factors that support persistence in academic tasks and enhance learning behaviour. Students participating in movement-integrated learning report higher motivation and confidence, which in turn reinforce academic engagement.²

5. Practical applications in educational settings

5.1 Integrated movement lessons

Embed movement into subject teaching (for example, maths through active games or science via movement-based experiments) to promote conceptual understanding while increasing activity levels.

5.2 Scheduled activity breaks

Implement frequent, developmentally appropriate activity breaks (5-15 minutes) to improve attention and readiness to learn throughout the school day.

5.3 Structured physical education

High-quality PE supports cognitive development through goal-setting, teamwork and strategic play, complementing classroom interventions and contributing to broader wellbeing.

6. Conclusions and implications

Movement is central to the brain processes that underlie learning. Integrating physical activity across the school day can enhance cognitive function and academic performance, improve classroom behaviour and engagement, support emotional wellbeing, and positively shape self-concept. Educational systems should treat movement-rich environments as core instructional design rather than optional extras.