Your Brain….on Your Brain….on Exercise!Exercise!

Your Brain….on Your Brain….on Exercise!Exercise!

Terry Eckmann, Ph.D.Terry Eckmann, Ph.D.

Minot State UniversityMinot State University

701-858-3155701-858-3155

Exercise and Learning• Exercise increases neuronal connections• Exercises increases the number of capillaries surrounding

the neurons• Exercise strengthens the cerebellum• Exercise strengthens the corpus callosum• Exercise fuels the brains with oxygen• Increases levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine,

serotonin, norepinephrine and Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor---BDNF

• Causes Nerve Cells Multiply--Nerve Connections are Strengthened, Neurons are more protected from harm

30 minutes of Physical Activity

Aerobic Exercise Stimulates BDNF

BDNF Fosters NeuroplasticityBDNF is Miracle Grow for the Brain

• Brain plasticity refers to the capacity of the brain to modify its structure and function as a result of the interaction with the environment.

•BDNF is the brain's wonder drug.

• BDNF functions to translate activity into synaptic & cognitive connections.

•BDNF enables one neuron to communicate with another

Ratey

Exercise increases BDNF which gives neural synapses the tools they need to take information in, process it, associate it, remember it and use it (Cotman, 1995)

Exercise Increases Neurogenesis in the Hippocampus

The brain’s hippocampus

Converts short-term memory to long-term memory.

Recalls spatial relationships in the world around us.

Gets Oxygen and Glucose to the Brain Faster

The brain needs oxygen and glucose to function effectively!

Repetitive Gross Motor Movement Strengthens

Dendritic Branching

Increasing number of dendritic branches facilitates transmission and storage of information.

Strengthens the Cardiovascular System

When the heart, lungs, and muscles work more efficiently together…

oxygen is transported to the brain more efficiently.

Improves mood and elevates stress

threshold

Stress and LearningJensen 1998

Exercise Improves Learning on Three LevelsOptimizes mind-set to improve alertness,

attention and motivation

Prepares and encourages nerve cells to bind together

Spurs the development of new nerve cells

“Physical educators,

facilitate creation of brain cells.

Classroom teachers help to fill them”Ratey

Research concludes…exercise is strongly correlated with increased brain mass,

better cognition, mood regulation and new cell production.

Physical EducationChildren engaged in daily physical education show

superior motor fitness, academic performance and attitude toward school as compared to their counterparts who do not participate in daily physical education. James Pollatschek and Frank Hagen (1996)

Quality Physical Education ChecklistNational Association for Sport and Physical Education

Physical Education is taught by a qualified teacher with a degree in physical education.

Do students receive formal instruction in physical education?

Is physical education class size similar to other content areas to ensure safe, effective instruction?

Is there adequate equipment for ever student to be active?

Is appropriate technology incorporated on a regular and continuing basis?

Are indoor and outdoor facilities safe and adequate?

Quality Physical Education Checklist Is there a written mission statement and

sequential curriculum based on state and/or national standards for physical education?

Are formative and summative assessments of student learning included in the physical education program and are they related to meaningful content objectives?

Does the program provide for maximum participation for every student?

Does the program develop physical, cognitive, and affective aspects of each student?

Quality Physical Education Checklist• Do the physical education teachers regularly

participate in physical education professional development?

• Do physical educators receive student health information and have an emergency plan?

• Is there periodic evaluation by administrators of the physical education performance and teacher performance?

National Association for Sport and Physical Education

2004 Research ReviewReviewed 850 Studies conducted on the

effects of physical activity on school age children

Studies focused on obesity, cardiovascular fitness, blood pressure, depression, anxiety, self-concept, bone density, and academic performance.

Study Recommendation: One Hour or MORE of moderate to vigorous physical activity a day!!

Movement is about living

and living is about learning.

Eric Jensen

References• Blaydes-Madigan, J. Thinking on Your Feet. Action Based Learning.• Hannaford, C. (1995). Smart Moves. Arlington, VA: Great Ocean

Publishing.• Jensen, E. (2000). Learning with the Body in Mind. Corwin

Press:California.• Jensen, E. (1998). Teaching With The Brain in Mind. Association for

Supervision and Curriculum Development.• Michaud, E., and R. Wild. (1991). Boost Your Brain Power. Emmaus, Pa:

Rodale Press.• Pollatschek, J., and F. Hagen. (1996). “Smarter, Healthier, Happier.”

International Health, Racquet, and Sportscub Association: Boston Mass.• Ratey, J. (2001). A User’s Guide to the Brain. First Vintage Books: New

York.• Ratey, J. (2008). SPARK: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and

the Brain. Little Brown and Company: New York.• Wolfe, P. (2001). Brain Matters. Association for Supervision and Curriculum

Development.