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How 9 minutes of daily HIIT may improve kids’ brain function and learning, according to research
Kids’ attention spans aren’t exactly getting any longer. Some can’t even make it to the end of a 10-second TikTok without swiping away. To be honest, I’m also guilty of this sometimes. But if you can hold their focus for nine whole minutes of exercise, scientists think they’ve found a little hack that could help children concentrate better in class.
Researchers from the University of Eastern Finland studied how short bursts of physical activity could influence a child’s ability to focus. They asked seven- to 13-year-olds to complete a simple nine-minute workout before sitting down to cognitive tests. The results? Kids who exercised performed better on tasks that required sustained attention and working memory compared to those who stayed seated.
If you are a parent looking to move more and encourage your children to do the same, our guide to the best fitness trackers can help you keep track of your activity levels and stay motivated.
What kind of exercise did the study use?
The study found that nine minutes of high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) can help children focus better and improve performance on cognitive tasks. For reference, this activity took place in a school setting before tests.
The researchers suggest the boost in focus may come from the temporary increase in heart rate and blood flow, which delivers more oxygen and nutrients to the brain, along with the release of neurotransmitters that support alertness and cognitive function.
If you are a parent and want to try using this at home to help your child focus, settle down after school, or tackle homework more easily, the principle is pretty flexible. You don’t need a full PE class. Just nine minutes of fun, energetic high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) that gets your child’s heart rate up could make a difference. This could be a quick dance to a favorite song or two, a short obstacle course in the living room, or a few laps around the yard.
It’s important to note that this research does not provide a guaranteed solution for improving focus in all children, and every child’s needs and circumstances are different. The study shows a potential benefit in a classroom setting, but individual results may vary. Still, making exercise a fun and regular part of family life can support both the body and mind.
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