Effect of Aerobic Exercise on Cognitive Functions in Childen and Adolescents : A Review

The purpose of this review was to investigate the relationship between aerobic exercise and cognitive function as well as synthesize the effect of aerobic exercise intervention studies centered on psychiatric symptoms associated with general cognitive deficit. Prospective studies on aerobic exercise and improvement of cognitive function were reviewed and synthesized. In addition, this literature review provides significant positive results on the relationship between aerobic exercise and general cognitive deficit associated with psychiatric symptoms. Review of this literature suggests that there is a positive relationship between participation in aerobic exercise and cognitive function. In this text, there are at least three general pathways by which aerobic exercise may facilitate executive function in children : 1) cognitive demands inherent in engaging in physical activity, 2) cognitive demands inherent in cooperation of complex motor tasks, and 3) physiological changes resulting from aerobic exercise. Another main finding of this review is that physical activity has a stronger influence on cognitive deficit, including attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, depression, and anxiety. Development of cognitive function is the most important factor for children and youth. Therefore, future research should prove relationship between physical activity and cognitive function using a more scientific and quantitative approach design.