Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in
Book cover

Physical Activity Across the Lifespan pp 235–265Cite as

The Mandate for Movement: Schools as Agents of Change

  • Chapter
  • First Online:

Part of the book series: Issues in Children's and Families' Lives ((IICL,volume 12))

Abstract

We present a compelling evolutionary and scientific rationale for why movement (physical activity) must be viewed as essential in promoting students’ physical and mental health, learning, and education. Because the human genome has encoded evolutionarily mandated cycling between periods of activity and rest, healthy gene expression and physiological function depend on regular movement. Yet our current culture, marked largely by sedentarism, has largely failed to heed the host of evidence that the mind and body require regular physical activity to function optimally. This disconcerting development has caused evolutionary cycles to stall, leading to metabolic derangement, epidemic chronic disease, and insidious patterns of mental disorders and addiction. Catalyzing change to combat this trend requires a global front in which every individual, community, and organization has a role. Schools, in particular, present a uniquely advantageous opportunity to acculturate future generations with the knowledge, skills, and behaviors needed for a lifetime of healthy activity.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   149.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD   199.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD   199.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

References

  • Aberg, M. A., Pedersenn, N. L., Tore’n, K., Svartengren, M., Backstrand, B., Johnsson, T., et al. (2009). Cardiovascular fitness is associated with cognition in young adulthood. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 106(49), 20906–20911.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ahamed, Y., MacDonald, H., Reed, K., Naylor, P. J., Liu-Ambrose, T., & McKay, H. (2007). School-based physical activity does not compromise children’s academic performance. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 39(2), 371–376.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Anderson, S. E., & Whitaker, R. C. (2009). Prevalence of obesity among US preschool children in different racial and ethnic groups. Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, 163(4), 344–348.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bak, E. E., Hellenius, M. L., & Ekblom, B. (2010). Are we facing a new paradigm of inactivity physiology? British Journal of Sports Medicine, 44(12), 834–835.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barros, R. M., Silver, E. J., & Stein, R. E. K. (2009). School recess and group classroom behavior. Pediatrics, 123, 431–436.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Beaudet, A. L., Scriver, C. R., Sly, W. S., & Valle, D. (1995). Genetics, biochemistry, and molecular basis of variant human phenotypes. In C. R. Scriver, A. L. Beaudet, W. S. Sly, D. Valle, J. B. Stanbury, J. B. Wyngaarden, & D. S. Fredrickson (Eds.), The metabolic and molecular bases of inherited disease (7th ed., Vol. 1, p. 79). New York: McGraw-Hill.

    Google Scholar 

  • Booth, F. W., & Chakravarthy, M. V. (2002). Cost and consequences of sedentary living: New battleground for an old enemy. President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports: Research Digest, 3(16), 1–8.

    Google Scholar 

  • Booth, F. W., Chakravarthy, M. V., Gordon, S. E., & Spangenburg, E. E. (2002). Waging war on physical inactivity: using modern molecular ammunition against an ancient enemy. Journal of Applied Physiology, 93, 3–30.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Breithecker, D. (2010). Beware the sitting trap in learning and schooling. “Ergo-dynamic” concepts are decisive. Retrieved June 12, 2010, from http://www.designshare.com/index.php/articles/sitting-trap/.

  • Bruel-Jungerman, E., Laroche, S., & Rampon, C. (2005). New neurons in the dentate gyrus are involved in the expression of enhanced long-term memory following environmental enrichment. European Journal of Neuroscience, 21, 513–521.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Buck, S. M., Hillman, C. H., & Castelli, D. M. (2008). The relation of aerobic fitness to Stroop Task performance in preadolescent children. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 40, 166–172.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Budde, H., Voelcker-Rehage, C., Pietrabyk-Kendziorra, S., Ribeiro, P., & Tidow, G. (2008). Acute coordinative exercise improves attentional performance in adolescents. Neuroscience Letters, 441(2), 219–223.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • California Department of Education (CDE). (2005, April). California physical fitness test: A study of the relationship between physical fitness and academic achievement in California using 2004 test results. Sacramento, CA: California Department of Education. Retrieved August 29, 2010, from www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/pf/documents/2004pftresults.doc.

  • Carlson, S. A., Fulton, J. E., Lee, S. M., Maynard, M., Brown, D. R., Kohl, H. W., III, et al. (2008). Physical education and academic achievement in elementary school: Data from the early childhood longitudinal study. American Journal of Public Health, 98, 721–727.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Castelli, D. M., Hillman, C. H., Buck, S. M., & Erwin, H. E. (2007). Physical fitness and academic achievement in third- and fifth-grade students. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 29, 239–252.

    Google Scholar 

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2007). US physical activity statistics. Retrieved June 12, 2010, from http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/PASurveillance/StateSumResultV.asp?CI=&Year=2007&State=0#data.

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2009). Diabetes—Successes and opportunities for population-based prevention and control: At a glance. Retrieved June 12, 2010, from http://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/publications/AAG/ddt.htm.

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2010). Healthy youth. Childhood obesity. Retrieved June 12, 2010, from http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/obesity/.

  • Chakravarthy, M. V., & Booth, F. W. (2004). Eating, exercise, and “thrifty” genotypes: connecting the dots toward an evolutionary understanding of modern chronic diseases. J. App. Physiol. 96, 3–10.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Charleston Progressive Academy. (2008). Direct Correspondence.

    Google Scholar 

  • Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act. (2004, June 30). Local wellness policy (Section 204 of Public Law 108-265). Retrieved August 29, 2010, from http://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/healthy/108-265.pdf.

  • Chomitz, V. R., Slining, M. M., & McGowan, R. J. (2009). Is there a relationship between physical fitness and academic achievement? Positive results from public school children in the northeastern United States. Journal of School Health, 79(1), 30–37.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Coe, D. P., Pivarnik, J. M., Womack, C. J., Reeves, M. J., & Malina, R. M. (2006). Effect of physical education and activity levels on academic achievement in children. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 38, 1515–1519.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cordain, L. O., Gotshall, R. W., & Eaton, S. B. (1997). Evolutionary aspects of exercise. World Review of Nutrition and Dietetics, 81, 49–60.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cordain, L. O., Gotshall, R. W., Eaton, S. B., & Eaton, S. B. I. I. I. (1998). Physical activity, energy expenditure and fitness: an evolutionary perspective. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 19, 328–335.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Council for Research Excellence (CRE). (2009). Video consumer mapping study. Muncie: Ball State University, Center for Media Design, Sequent Partners. Retrieved August 29, 2010 from http://www.researchexcellence.com/VCMFINALREPORT_4_28_09.pdf.

    Google Scholar 

  • Davis, C. L., Tomporowski, P. D., Boyle, C. A., Waller, J. L., Miller, P. H., & Naglieri, J. A. (2007, December). Effects of aerobic exercise on overweight children’s cognitive functioning: a randomized controlled trial. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 78(5), 510–519.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • De Vany, A. (2009). Essay on evolutionary fitness. Retrieved June 12, 2010, from http://www.arthurdevany.com/categories/20091026.

  • Diamond, J. (2003). The double puzzle of diabetes. Nature, 423, 599–602.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dietrich, A., & McDaniel, W. F. (2004). Endocannabinoids and exercise. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 38, 536–541.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dishman, R. K., Renner, K. J., White-Welkley, J. E., Burke, K. A., & Bunnell, B. N. (2000). Treadmill exercise training augments brain norepinephrine response to familiar and novel stress. Brain Research Bulletin, 52, 337–342.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dwyer, T., Coonan, W. E., Leitch, D. R., Hetzel, B. S., & Baghurst, P. A. (1983). An investigation of the effects of daily physical activity on the health of primary school students in South Australia. International Journal of Epidemiology, 12, 308–313.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dwyer, T., Sallis, J. F., Blizzard, L., Lazarus, R., & Dean, K. (2001). Relation of academic performance to PA and fitness in children. Pediatric Exercise Science, 13, 225–237.

    Google Scholar 

  • Eaton, S. B., Konner, M., & Shostak, M. (1988). Stone agers in the fast lane, chronic degenerative disease in evolutionary perspective. American Journal of Medicine, 84, 736–749.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eaton, S. B., Konner, M., & Shostak, M. (2002). Evolutionary health promotion, consideration of common counterarguments. Preventive Medicine, 34, 119–123.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ekeland, E., Heian, F., Hagen, K. B., & Coren, E. (2005). Can exercise improve self esteem in children and young people? A systematic review of randomised controlled trials * Commentary. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 39(11), 792–798.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Field, Y., Diego, M., & Sanders, C. E. (2001). Exercise is positively related to adolescents’ relationships and academics. Adolescence, 36, 105–110.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Franks, P. W., Hanson, R. L., Knowler, W. C., Sievers, M. L., Bennett, P. H., & Looker, H. C. (2010). Childhood obesity, other cardiovascular risk factors, and premature death. The New England Journal of Medicine, 362(6), 485–493.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Furger, R. (2001). The new PE curriculum: An innovative approach to teaching physical fitness. Edutopia. Retrieved June 12, 2010, from http://www.edutopia.org/new-p-e-curriculum.

  • Greenwood, B. N., Foley, T. E., Burhans, D., Maier, S. F., & Fleshner, M. (2005). The consequences of uncontrollable stress are sensitive to duration of prior wheel running. Brain Research, 1033, 164–178.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hamer, M., Stamatakis, E., & Mishra, G. (2009). Psychological distress, TV viewing, and physical activity in children aged 4-12 years. Pediatrics, 123(5), 1263–1268.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hamilton, M. T., Hamilton, D. G., & Zderic, T. W. (2007). Role of low energy expenditure and sitting in obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Diabetes, November, 56(11), 2655–2667.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Heath, G. W., Gavin, J. R., III, Hinderliter, J. M., Hagberg, J. M., Bloomfield, S. A., & Holloszy, J. O. (1983). Effects of exercise and lack of exercise on glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. Journal of Applied Physiology, 55, 512–517.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hillman, C. H., Buck, S. M., Themanson, J. R., Pontifex, M. B., & Castelli, D. M. (2009). Aerobic fitness and cognitive development: Event-related brain potential and task performance indices of executive control in preadolescent children. Developmental Psychology, 45(1), 114–129.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hillman, C. H., Castelli, D., & Buck, S. M. (2005). Aerobic fitness and neurocognitive function in healthy preadolescent children. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 37, 1967–1974.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hillman, C. H., Erickson, K. I., & Kramer, A. F. (2008). Be smart, exercise your heart: Exercise effects on brain and cognition. Nature Reviews. Neuroscience, 9, 58–64.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hillman, C. H., Pontifex, M. B., Raine, L. B., Castelli, D. M., Hall, E. E., & Kramer, A. F. (2009). The effect of acute treadmill walking on cognitive control and academic achievement in preadolescent children. Neuroscience, 159, 1044–1054.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jensen, E. (1994). The learning brain. Del Mar: Turning Point Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Johannes, S. (2009). Copenhagen Denmark. Direct Correspondence.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kilbourne, J. (2009). Sharpening the mind through movement: Using exercise balls in a university lecture class. The Chronicle of Kinesiology and Physical Education in Higher Education, 20(1), 10–15. Retrieved August 29, 2010, from http://www.balldynamics.com/research/a1237990661.pdf.

    Google Scholar 

  • Koffler, M., & Kisch, E. S. (1996). Starvation diet and very-low-calorie diets may induce insulin resistance and overt diabetes mellitus. Journal of Diabetes and its Complications, 10, 109–112.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kramer, A. F., Stanley, J., Colcombe, L. B., Dong, W., & Greenough, W. T. (2004). Environmental influences on cognitive and brain plasticity during aging. Journal of Gerontology Medical Sciences, 59A, 940–957.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kriemler, S., Zahner, L., Schindler, C., Meyer, U., Hartmann, T., Hebestreit, H., et al. (2010). Effect of school based physical activity programme (KISS) on fitness and adiposity in primary schoolchildren: cluster randomized controlled trial. British Medical Journal, 340, c785.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lawler, P. (2007, May 10). Using school wellness plans to help fight childhood obesity. Testimony before House Sub-Committee on Healthy Families and Community (p. 1). Washington, D.C.: Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved August 29, 2010, from http://edlabor.house.gov/testimony/051007PhilLawlertestimony.pdf.

  • Leatherdale, S. T., Wong, S. L., Manske, S. R., & Colditz, G. A. (2008). Susceptibility to smoking and its association with physical activity, BMI, and weight concerns among youth. Nicotine & Tobacco Research, 10(3), 499–505.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lewis, M. H. (2004). Environmental complexity and central nervous system development and function. Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Research Reviews, 10, 91–95.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Li, Y., Dai, Q., Jackson, J. C., & Zhang, J. (2008). Overweight is associated with decreased cognitive functioning among school-age children and adolescents. Obesity, 16(8), 1809–1815.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lipman, R. L., Raskin, P., Love, T., Triebwasser, J., Lecocq, F. R., & Schnure, J. J. (1972). Glucose intolerance during decreased physical activity in man. Diabetes, 21, 101–107.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Llinas, R. (2001). I of the vortex: From neurons to self (p. 302). Cambridge: MIT Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mahar, M. T., Murphy, S. K., & Rowe, D. A. (2006). Effects of a classroom-based program on physical activity and on-task behavior. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 38(12), 2086–2094.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Martinez-Gomez, D., Tucker, J., Heelan, K. A., Welk, G. J., & Eisenmann, J. C. (2009). Associations between sedentary behavior and blood pressure in young children. Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, 163(8), 724–730.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mattson, M. P. (2008). Hormesis defined. Ageing Research Reviews, 7(1), 1–7.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mattson, M., Maudsley, S., & Martin, B. (2004). BDNF and 5HT: a dynamic duo in age-related neuronal plasticity and neurodegenerative disorders. Trends in Neurosciences, 27(10), 589–594.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Miller, J., Kranzler, J., Liu, Y., Schmalfuss, I., Theriaque, D. W., Shuster, J. J., et al. (2006). Neurocognitive findings in Prader-Willi syndrome and early-onset morbid obesity. The Journal of Pediatrics, 149(2), 192.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mora, F., Segovia, G., & del Arco, A. (2007). Aging, plasticity, and environmental enrichment: Structural changes and neurotransmitter dynamics in several areas of the brain. Brain Research Reviews, 55, 78–88.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Naperville Central Physical Education Program. (2008). Naperville Central Physical Education Department. Retrieved August 29, 2010, from http://www.ncusd203.org/central/html/what/physed/.

  • National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE). (2004). Moving into the future: National standards for physical education (2nd ed.). Reston: McGraw Hill.

    Google Scholar 

  • National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE). (2010). General school health policies. Retrieved June 12, 2010, from http://nasbe.org/index.php/component/content/article/78-model-policies/118-general-school-health-policies.

  • Neel, J. V. (1962). Diabetes mellitus: a “thrifty” genotype rendered detrimental by “progress”? American Journal of Human Genetics, 4, 353–362.

    Google Scholar 

  • Neel, J. V. (1999). The “thrifty genotype” in 1998. Nutrition Review, 57, S2–S9.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nybo, L., & Secher, N. H. (2004). Cerebral perturbations provoked by prolonged exercise. Progress in Neurobiology, 72(4), 223–261.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ornish, D. (2008, May 27). A plan for overweight kids. Newsweek, 1. Retrieved August 29, 2010, from http://www.newsweek.com/2008/05/26/a-plan-for-overweight-kids.html.

  • Owen, N., Bauman, A., & Brown, W. (2009). Too much sitting: a novel and important predictor of chronic disease risk? British Journal of Sports Medicine, 43, 81–83.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Panksepp, J. (2007). Can PLAY diminish ADHD and facilitate the construction of the social brain? Journal of the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 16, 57–66.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Panksepp, J. (2008). Play, ADHD, and the construction of the social brain: Should the first class each day be recess? American Journal of Play, 1, 55–79.

    Google Scholar 

  • Panksepp, J., Burgdorf, J., Turner, C., & Gordon, N. (2003). Modeling ADHD-type arousal with unilateral frontal cortex damage in rats and beneficial effects of play therapy. Brain and Cognition, 52, 97–105.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Parfitt, G., & Eston, R. G. (2005). The relationship between children’s habitual activity level and psychological well-being. Acta Paediatrica, 94, 1791–1797.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pascopella, A. (2001, October 1). TIMMS: Tired of criticism about your schools’ math and science test scores? Find out how these U.S. schools are boosting their results. The free library, District Administration (p. 1). Retrieved June 12, 2010, from http://www.thefreelibrary.com/TIMMS:+tired+of+criticism+about+­your+schools%27+math+and+science+test…-­a097117368.

  • PE4life. (2007). Results. Retrieved June 12, 2010, from http://www.pe4life.org/sub/Results/index.cfm.

  • Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee. (2008). Physical activity guidelines advisory committee report. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pilegaard, H., Saltin, B., & Neufer, P. D. (2003). Effect of short-term fasting and refeeding on transcriptional regulation of metabolic genes in human skeletal muscle. Diabetes, 52, 657–662.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pontifex, M. B., Hillman, C. H., Fernhall, B., Thompson, K. M., & Valentini, T. A. (2009). The effect of acute aerobic and resistance exercise on working memory. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 41(4), 927–934.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Puhl, R. M., & Latner, J. D. (2007). Stigma, obesity, and the health of the nation’s children. Psychological Bulletin, 133(4), 557–580.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pytel, B. (2007, November 21). No more classroom chairs: Students are sitting on exercise balls. Student Health Issues, 1. Retrieved August 29, 2010, from http://student-health-issues.suite101.com/article.cfm/no_more_classroom_chairs.

  • Raji, C. A., Ho, A. J., & Parikshak, N. N. (2010). Brain structure and obesity. Human Brain Mapping, 31, 353–364.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ratey, J., & Hagerman, E. Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain Little Brown, January 2008.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rideout, V.J., Foehrm, U.G., & Roberts, D.F. (2010, January). Generation M2: Media in the lives of 8- to 18-year olds. Washington, D.C.: Kaiser Family Foundation Study (p. 1). Retrieved August 29, 2010, from http://www.kff.org/entmedia/entmedia012010nr.cfm.

  • Sallis, J., McKensie, T. L., Kolody, B., Lewis, M., Marshall, S., Rosengard, P., et al. (1999). Effects of health related physical education on academic achievement: Project SPARK. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 70, 127–134.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Saulny, S. (2009). Students stand when called upon, and when not. New York Times, A1. Retrieved February 25, 2009.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shaw, J. (2004, March–April). The deadliest sin. Harvard Magazine, 36–44.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shephard, R. J. (1997). Curricular physical activity and academic performance. Pediatric Exercise Science, 9, 113–126.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sibley, B. A., & Etnier, J. L. (2003). The relationship between physical activity and cognition in children: A meta-analysis. Pediatric Exercise Science, 15, 243–256.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sigfusdottir, I. D., Kristjansson, A., & Allegrante, J. P. (2007). Health behaviour and academic achievement in Icelandic school children. Health Education Research, 22, 70–80.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Strong, W. B., Malina, R. M., Blimkie, C. J. R., Daniels, S. R., Dishman, R. K., Gutin, B., et al. (2005). Evidence based physical activity for school-age youth. Journal of Pediatrics, 146, 732–737.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Taras, H. (2005). Physical activity and student performance at school. Journal of School Health, 75, 214–218.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Texas Association of School Boards (TASB). (2010). The fundamental role of public schools. Retrieved June 12, 2010, from http://www.tasb.org/about/schools/role.aspx.

  • Tkacz, J., Young-Hyman, D. Y., & Boyle, C. A. (2008, November). Aerobic exercise program reduces anger expression among overweight children. Pediatric Exercise Science, 20(4), 390–401.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Trudeau, F., & Shephard, R. J. (2008). Physical education, school physical activity, school sports and academic performance. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 5(10), 1–12.

    Google Scholar 

  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS). (January. (2010). The Surgeon General’s vision for a healthy and fit nation. Rockville: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Surgeon General.

    Google Scholar 

  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS). (November. (2000). Healthy people 2010: With understanding and improving health and objectives for improving health (2nd ed.). Washington: U.S. Government Printing Office.

    Google Scholar 

  • van der Heijden, G. J., Toffolo, G., Manesso, E., Sauer, P. J. J., & Sunehag, A. L. (2009). Aerobic exercise increases peripheral and hepatic insulin sensitivity in sedentary adolescents. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, 94(11), 4292–4299.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Vaynman, S., & Gomez-Pinilla, F. (2006). Revenge of the “sit”: how lifestyle impacts neuronal and cognitive health through molecular systems that interface energy metabolism with neuronal plasticity. Journal of Neuroscience Research, 84(4), 699–715.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Vaynman, S., Zhe, Y., & Fernando, G. P. (2004). Hippocampal BDNF mediates the efficacy of exercise on synaptic plasticity and cognition. European Journal of Neuroscience, 20, 2580–2590.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Viadero, D. (2008). Exercise seen as priming the pump for students’ academic success. Education Week, 27, 14–15.

    Google Scholar 

  • Walther, C., Machalica, K., Muller, U., & Schuler, G. (2009, November 17). Students with a lower socioeconomic background benefit from daily school physical activity. American Heart Association, Abstract. Retrieved August 29, 2010, from http://www.newsroom.heart.org/index.php?item=859&s=43.

  • Wechsler, H., McKenna, M.L., Lee, S.M., & Dietz, W.H. (2004, December 1–9). The role of schools in preventing childhood obesity. The State Education Standard. Retrieved August 8 29, 2010, from http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/physicalactivity/pdf/roleofschools_obesity.pdf.

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Harvard Medical School, 328 Broadway, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA

    John J. Ratey

  2. Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA

    Jacob Sattelmair

Authors
  1. John J. Ratey
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Jacob Sattelmair
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to John J. Ratey .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Division of Child and Family Development, Administration for Children and Families, L'Enfant Plaza Promenade, SW 370, Washington, 20447, District of Columbia, USA

    Aleta L. Meyer

  2. Child and Family Agency of Southeastern, Hempstead Street 255, New London, 06320, Connecticut, USA

    Thomas P. Gullotta

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2012 Springer Science+Business Media New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Ratey, J.J., Sattelmair, J. (2012). The Mandate for Movement: Schools as Agents of Change. In: Meyer, A., Gullotta, T. (eds) Physical Activity Across the Lifespan. Issues in Children's and Families' Lives, vol 12. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-3606-5_12

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation