EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS AND MOVEMENT: SPORT AS A STRATEGY TO IMPROVE SCHOOL LEARNING

Scientific research has demonstrated a strong relationship between physical exercise and cognitive function, highlighting the countless benefits on physical, cognitive and affective health. In particular, recent evidence shows a relationship between physical exercise and school performance, suggesting the key role that physical education could play in schools as an ecological tool to improve cognitive functioning and school learning. However, guidelines for the amount and quality of exercise to be included in physical education programmes are still unclear. This narrative review of the literature aimed to shed light on the contribution of motor and sport science methodologies to the development and enhancement of specific cognitive skills in school settings. In addition, the aim of the work was to highlight teaching methods that are useful in fostering the necessary conditions for sustained, high-quality learning in school-age children