For children and teenagers with autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, anxiety and depression participating in a physical education class focused on improving skills will not provide enough extended periods of aerobic exercise, which appear to reduce disruptive behavior and support success in the classroom.
Health Day News report on a study that used ‘cybercycles’ found that days students exercised resulted in 30% – 50% drop in being removed from the classroom for discipline issues. Additionally, students in the classroom were performing better and had improved relationships with teachers and peers. The research supports other studies that highlight the value of recess, improved student performance for those involved with after school sports, and the general populations increased performance with mental tasks when involved with regular physical exercise.
Classroom teachers might consider incorporating activities that involve physical exertion in their students’ day!