The Importance of Movement

Movement is an essential part of most iLs programs.  We integrated movement into our therapies long ago based on some well-researched factors:

• Neurological and behavioral effects
• Anthropological and evolutionary reasons
• The combined effect of integrating three senses: auditory, visual and vestibular

Today, we’ll address the brain benefits of movement.  

Physical exercise produces many benefits.  In the short term, the increased blood circulation increases mental reaction times, improves working memory and focuses attention.  It also elevates mood.  Longer term, exercise leads to cognitive improvement and even the alleviation of depression and anxiety.

Nicknamed “Miracle-Gro” for the brain, BDNF – or Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor – is responsible for many of these brain benefits. BDNF helps neurons to grow and their dendrites (extensions of a neuron that connect with other nerve cells) to expand their reach in order to strengthen synapses and improve brain function.  Separate findings have correlated low levels of BDNF with cognitive decline in both people and animals.  You’re already wondering how to get some BDNF, aren’t you?

The way to increase levels of BDNF in the brain is to exercise.  How does exercise trigger BDNF?  That hasn’t been clear until recent research looked at the mechanism of BDNF production. A specific gene triggers BDNF and it turns out that this gene functions better in active animals (and people).  In sedentary animals, very densely packed molecules accumulate around the gene and prevent it from producing BDNF.  In active animals, this same molecule exists, but not as abundantly and so BDNF continues to be produced.  This is because, during exercise, an organic chemical compound known as a ketone is produced as a result of the breakdown of fat that occurs to provide energy during physical exertion.  Some of these ketones migrate to the brain and decongest the molecular blockage of the BDNF gene thus clearing the way for BDNF production.

iLs friend and conference speaker Dr. John Ratey says that “Activity stimulates more blood vessels in the brain to support more brain cells.  And there is evidence that active kids do better on standardized tests and pay attention more in school.” BDNF plays a big role in these effects.  Learn more about Dr. Ratey’s research and ideas in his TED talk.  

Another resource is the National Association of Physical Literacy. One of its co-founders, Steve Boyle, says, “Kids aren’t meant to sit still all day and take in information; adults aren’t wired that way either.” Their website offers lots of useful information and tools for teachers, parents and clinicians including BrainErgizers – short motivating videos with fun movement activities designed to be followed several times a day. Regular physical activity like this can help kids cope with the stresses of school and significantly benefits them in the classroom.  

The Playbook activities that accompany the iLs Focus programs are another way to slip movement into your and your client or student’s day. The movement activities help to better integrate the processing of auditory, visual and vestibular input.  

Learn more about the iLs Focus system.