We learned last Wednesday that a poor diet could lower a child’s IQ, and now we discover that regular exercise could help overweight children improve thinking and math skills, according to a new study.

In the study, Georgia Health Sciences University researchers had overweight and sedentary children age 7 to 11 take intelligence tests after regular exercise. The team also conducted magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs) on a smaller group of children.

Intelligence scores increased an average 3.8 points in those exercising 40 minutes per day after school for three months with a smaller benefit in those exercising 20 minutes daily…MRIs showed those who exercised experienced increased brain activity in the prefrontal cortex – an area associated with complex thinking, decision making and correct social behavior - and decreased activity in an area of the brain that sits behind it. The shift forward appears consistent with more rapidly developing cognitive skills, (Dr. Catherine) Davis, (clinical health psychologist at GHSU's Georgia Prevention Institute and corresponding author on the study in Health Psychology) said. “Exercise helps overweight children think better, do better in math.” 2/10/11.

Researcher also found a boost in math skills, though no math lessons were provided. There wasn’t an increase in reading skills.

Not only do the results support more exercise in schools, the data suggests regular exercise may have a broad affect.

 In kids you just don't know what impact you are going to have when you improve their ability to control their attention, to behave better in school, to make better choices," Davis notes. "Maybe they will be more likely to stay in school and out of trouble."

You can also check out HealthDay’s, “Overweight Kids Who Exercise Improve Thinking, Math Skills: Study”, for more details.

Quote of the Day:
“States are under huge financial pressure and we understand that but when you’re under huge pressure you have to really think about what your states priorities are. I don’t think, frankly, we need another study to demonstrate the long term benefits of high quality early childhood programs. U.S.,” Education Secretary Arne Duncan said during a call with reporters yesterday, via EarlyStories.

Read his entire quote here.