Movement and learning: How physical activity boosts cognitive function
The connection between movement and learning is undeniable. For centuries, educators and scientists have explored how physical activity enhances cognitive performance. Recent advances in neuroscience and education have further solidified this relationship, showing that movement plays a vital role in brain development, attention, and memory. Wired for Learning, a personalised learning program designed by Monty Olding based on the ground breaking research of Dr. Carla Hannaford, incorporates movement as a key component in supporting cognitive function. This approach draws on decades of research and real-world applications to boost learning effectiveness, particularly for neurodiverse learners.
The science
Human brains aren’t designed for prolonged sedentary activities, such as sitting still for long periods. Physical movement activates various parts of the brain responsible for processing sensory input, regulating emotions, and executing complex tasks. Neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to change and adapt, is significantly enhanced through physical activity. Movement increases blood flow, oxygen, and essential nutrients to the brain, which fosters improved concentration, memory, and overall mental clarity.
When the body moves, it stimulates the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, both of which play key roles in mood regulation and cognitive function. These chemicals not only enhance motivation and focus but also reduce stress, which is often a barrier to effective learning. Furthermore, engaging in regular physical activity strengthens neural pathways, making it easier for students to retain information and solve problems.
For children and adults alike, movement-based learning can dramatically improve engagement. Research has shown that kinesthetic learners, those who learn best through physical activity or ‘doing’, experience enhanced cognitive performance when movement is integrated into their lessons. This makes movement-based activities essential for a wide range of learners, from those with ADHD to those on the autism spectrum, as well as for more neurotypical students seeking to maximise their potential.
One of the key challenges in modern education is stress, which impairs cognitive performance. High levels of stress causes the brain to divert blood flow from the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for higher-order thinking, to the amygdala, the emotional centre of the brain. This process, known as cortical inhibition, results in a "fight, flight, or freeze" response, leaving students unable to focus or engage meaningfully with their learning materials.
Physical movement is one of the most effective ways to combat the negative effects of stress on the brain. Activities such as stretching, breathing exercises, and short bursts of physical activity can help return the brain to a state of balance, allowing learners to re-engage with their studies. This is particularly relevant for learners who experience heightened anxiety or emotional dysregulation, such as those with ADHD or autism.
Wired for Learning recognises the importance of movement in managing stress and has incorporated tailored physical exercises into its program. These exercises help students reset when they find themselves in a “switched-off” state, where stress impairs their cognitive function. The report also offers insights into how different learners experience stress, allowing parents, teachers, and tutors to apply individualised strategies to help students manage their emotions and maintain optimal learning conditions.
The Wired for Learning program is based on 35 years of scientific research, including over 3,000 dominance assessments conducted by Dr. Carla Hannaford. The program emphasises whole-brain training, which integrates movement and cognitive exercises to maximise brain function. With personalised strategies derived from dominance profiles, the program recognises that learners have different strengths, biases, and stress responses. Wired for Learning tailors its approach to each student’s unique profile, offering targeted movement exercises that align with their natural learning preferences.
Dr. Hannaford’s research has long emphasised the importance of physical movement in education. One of her key findings is that physical activity directly supports cognitive function by improving sensory integration. For example, students who struggle with concentration can benefit from movement exercises that target their non-dominant hemisphere, allowing them to switch on their whole brain and improve focus. These exercises can be as simple as cross-lateral movements (such as touching the opposite hand to the knee), which activate both hemispheres of the brain and enhance learning.
Monty Olding, a UK based co-developer of Wired for Learning, has built on Hannaford’s findings to create an interactive, personalised learning system. Monty’s research into the impact of movement on concentration has helped shape Wired for Learning’s tailored strategies. These strategies are designed not only to improve academic performance but also to foster personal development by reducing stress and boosting self-confidence.
How Wired for Learning incorporates the power of movement
Wired for Learning offers educators, parents, and tutors easy-to-implement tools that bring movement into the learning environment. For instance, the program includes practical exercises that can be done in the classroom or at home, helping students regain focus during long study sessions or reset after experiencing frustration. These exercises are specifically recommended based on each student's dominance profile, ensuring that they cater to the learner’s natural inclinations and preferences.
In addition to individual exercises, Wired for Learning suggests optimal seating arrangements based on visual and auditory needs, another way movement influences learning. For example, some learners perform better when they can move freely within the classroom, while others benefit from positions that reduce sensory distractions.
The link between movement and learning is clear: physical activity boosts cognitive function, reduces stress, and enhances memory and focus. Wired for Learning’s innovative report taps into this connection by incorporating movement exercises tailored to each learner’s unique profile. By fostering whole-brain training and offering strategies that personalise education, Wired for Learning helps students, from neurodiverse learners to more able students, thrive in their educational environments. Through its movement-based approach, Wired for Learning shows that learning can be more effective, engaging, and stress-free when we move our bodies to unlock the full potential of our minds.
