Just Five Minutes Of Light Exercise Boosts Children’s Brain Power And Mood
February 11, 2026 | Source: Asian Scientist | by Puja Bhattacharjee
AsianScientist (Feb. 11, 2026) – According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), physical activity in children and adolescents promotes bone health, supports healthy growth and development of muscles, and enhances both motor and cognitive development.
Sedentary behaviour in children can negatively impact the development of executive function (EF)—the skills necessary for managing everyday tasks such as planning, problem-solving, and adapting to new situations. The three primary components of EF are working memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control.
Strong EF during childhood lays the foundation for self-regulation, social functioning, academic achievement, and emotional well-being throughout childhood and adolescence.
In a recent study, a research team from the Graduate School of Sport Sciences at Waseda University in Japan investigated whether brief periods of light-intensity exercise could enhance executive function and psychological well-being in children. This study is the first in the world to show that light exercise, lasting less than five minutes, can enhance both executive function and mood for individuals of all ages. The results were published in the journal Scientific Reports.