Physical Activity- Student Brains
Composite Attentional Allocation of 20 Students Taking the Same Test
Exercise can help students increase brain activity helping them learn. The color blue represents lower neural activity, while the color red denotes higher brain activity in a given region.
After Sitting Quietly
After sitting quietly prior to taking test, the brain shows the colors blue, green, and yellow.
After 20 Minute Walk
After a 20 minute walk prior to taking the test, the student's brain shows the colors green, yellow and red. The red color demonstrates the higher brain activity.
Brain Images Links to an external site. courtesy of Charles Hillman, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
How Is Your Brain Stimulated by Physical Activity? What are the Mental Benefits?
Take A Look at What Happens in the Frontal, Temporal and Occipital Lobes Of Your Brain
When You Exercise The Different Lobes Of Your Brain Are Stimulated Causing Changes In The Way You Learn.
Frontal Lobe
- Norepinephrine is released, improving attention, perception and motivation.
- Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is released, protecting and repairing neurons from injury and degeneration.
Temporal Lobe
- Hormones combine with BDNF to grow brain cells, regulated mood and provide mental clarity.
- The hippocampus, a part of the brain concerned with learning and memory, grows in size with regular exercise over time.
Occipital Lobe
- Endorphins are released, dulling the sensation of pain.
- Serotonin is released, enhancing mood.
- Blood flow to the brain increases, delivering more oxygen and nutrients and improving waste removal.
- Dopamine is released, improving motivation, focus and learning.
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