# Impact of physical activity on children’s cognitive function and its educational applications: a narrative literature review

## TL;DR

This paper reviews how physical activity improves children's cognitive abilities and suggests integrating such activities into school curricula to boost learning outcomes.

## Contribution

The study systematically reviews how physical activity impacts children's cognitive functions and offers educational applications for PE.

## Key findings

- Physical activity improves executive functions, attention, memory, and academic performance in children.
- Cognitively engaging and moderate-to-vigorous activities yield the most consistent cognitive benefits.
- Well-designed PA interventions in PE can support children's cognitive development.

## Abstract

Physical activity (PA) is widely recognized as an important factor in promoting children’s cognitive function (CF), yet existing research lacks systematic integration into physical education (PE) practice.

A narrative systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, drawing on peer-reviewed studies from five electronic databases. Due to heterogeneity in interventions and outcomes, a narrative synthesis was applied.

The reviewed evidence indicates that PA positively influences executive functions, attention, memory, and academic performance in children. Cognitively engaging and moderate-to-vigorous activities show the most consistent benefits, although effects vary with exercise design and intensity.

Appropriately designed PA interventions in PE can effectively support children’s cognitive development. Integrating cognitively engaging activities into school curricula may enhance educational outcomes, while future research should refine implementation strategies.