A child’s attention and memory improves after exercise according to new research conducted by primary school pupils and supported by the Universities of Stirling and Edinburgh.

Pupils’ best responses to tests came after physical activity that was set at their own pace – exactly what The Daily Mile offers pupils.

More than 11,000 school pupils across the UK conducted a scientific investigation to discover the impact of completing a physical activity on their mood and cognitive abilities.

Dr Brooks from the University of Stirling explained

"Ultimately, we found that 15 minutes of self-paced exercise can significantly improve a child’s mood, attention and memory - enhancing their ability to learn."

Following the run/walk, children’s ability to remember words in sentences improved.

"Overall, our study concluded that exercising leads to improvements in children’s mood and cognition"

Dr Moran from the University of Stirling said.

This suggests that children should be encouraged to exercise at their own pace during short breaks from class. This exercise should be in addition to normal physical education and when the class teacher thinks the class would benefit the most from a break.

The Daily Mile focuses on 15 minutes of physical activity, every day, during which children are encouraged to walk, jog or run at their own pace.

Read more about the study at http://www.bbc.co.uk/guides/zq3hxfr