A 30‐Minute Physical Education Program Improves Students' Executive Attention

Abstract

ABSTRACT Physical activity is not only beneficial to physical health but also to cognitive functions. In particular, executive functions that are closely related to learning achievement can be improved by acute and recurring physical activity. We examined the effects of a single 30‐min physical education program in contrast to a 5‐min movement break on working memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibition of attention and behavioral tendencies of eighty‐one 13‐ to 14‐year‐old students in grade 7 in Germany. Results indicate that the maintenance of on‐task attention in the face of distraction was improved by an aerobic endurance exercise‐based physical education program but not by a short aerobic movement break. This suggests that the duration of a school sports program is decisive for improving students' executive attention.