Regular exercise can help boost pupils' exam grades in French and maths, study finds

Having regular exercise while studying can help boost pupils' exam grades in both French maths, according to researchers, who say it develops their cognitive skills. To understand the influence fitness has on learning, experts from the University of Geneva, Switzerland, tested education and activity levels of 193 pupils aged 8 to 12. By combining data on fitness, and exam results, they found a link between better cardiorespiratory fitness and higher marks in mathematics and French grammar. However, the team say the link was indirect, with physical fitness improving executive functions and cognitive flexibility, which in turn helps with subjects that rely on specific and structured answers, such as mathematics. The researchers say schools and administrators should consider the importance of exercise and movement when planning timetables and allocating budgets.