Unleashing children’s potential: An evidence-based narrative review of strategies to enhance cognitive function and intelligence in school-age children

Table 5 Effects of exercise modalities on executive and cognitive functions in school-age children

Exercise type	Primary neurobiological and cognitive mechanisms	Executive/cognitive domains affected	Representative intervention examples
Aerobic exercise (moderate-vigorous)	Increased cerebral blood flow; increased brain-derived neurotrophic factors and IGF-1; enhanced hippocampal and prefrontal plasticity; improved insulin sensitivity	Attention regulation, inhibitory control, processing speed, working memory	Daily running or cycling programs; structured physical education classes; aerobics, classroom activity breaks
Coordinative/skill-based exercise	Concurrent motor-cognitive engagement; frontoparietal network activation; enhanced sensorimotor integration	Cognitive flexibility; working memory; task switching; planning	Dance programs, martial arts, and ball games require strategy and rule switching
Cognitively enriched physical activity	Dual-task processing; executive load during movement; increased prefrontal cortex activation	Executive control; divided attention; metacognitive regulation	Movement-integrated academic lessons; physically active problem-solving games
Team sports	Social cognition engagement; goal-directed behavior; emotional regulation; reward-system modulation	Cognitive flexibility; self-regulation; decision-making; attentional control	Soccer, basketball, and handball programs emphasizing rules and teamwork
Resistance/strength training	Hormonal modulation (IGF-1); neuromuscular efficiency; stress regulation	Inhibitory control, attention, and working memory (moderate evidence)	Age-appropriate resistance circuits; body-weight training in school settings
Mind-body movement (e.g., yoga, tai chi)	Autonomic regulation; reduced cortisol; enhanced interoceptive awareness; prefrontal-limbic balance	Sustained attention; inhibitory control; emotional self-regulation	School-based yoga programs; mindfulness-movement sessions
High-intensity interval activity (child-adapted)	Rapid neurotrophic signaling; arousal modulation; catecholamine release	Processing speed, attention, and cognitive alertness	Short-burst activity circuits; interval-based playground games

IGF-1: Insulin-like growth factor-1.