Can Movement Boost Brainpower? Why Active Classrooms Are Outperforming the Rest

Did you know that movement might be one of the most powerful – and overlooked – tools for improving academic outcomes?

New research shows that physically active students don’t just have stronger bodies; they also tend to perform better in the classroom. As schools look for cost-effective ways to raise attainment and support wellbeing, more are turning to active learning environments – and seeing results.

🧠 The Brain-Boosting Benefits of Movement

It’s not just a hunch. According to multiple large-scale studies, movement increases blood flow to the brain, enhances executive function, and helps embed learning.

In fact, children who move regularly throughout the school day have been shown to have:

  • Higher test scores

  • Better memory and focus

  • Fewer behavioural issues

  • Improved overall wellbeing

A landmark CDC report found that “physical activity can help improve academic achievement, including grades and standardised test scores.”

Another major systematic review by Donnelly et al. confirmed that both short bursts and long-term physical activity improved cognitive flexibility and working memory – the core tools for learning.

👟 What Does an Active Classroom Look Like?

An active classroom doesn’t mean chaos or constant movement. It simply means building small, regular moments of physical activity into the school day.

This could include:

  • Quick movement breaks between lessons

  • Standing desks or flexible seating

  • Physically active lessons – like moving around during maths or spelling games

  • School-wide step challenges using activity trackers

The BMJ Open study by Norris et al. showed that integrating physical activity into academic content can significantly boost both physical and educational outcomes.

📊 How Schools Are Measuring the Impact

Schools using Moki Bands have a secret weapon: data.

Unlike guesswork or surveys, Moki gives teachers a clear, objective picture of how much their pupils are actually moving during the day. With that insight, schools can:

  • Benchmark activity across classes or year groups

  • Identify pupils who may need extra support

  • Evaluate what works – like brain breaks or outdoor learning

  • Support funding bids with hard data

Plus, Moki’s screen-free design keeps kids focused – it’s not another distraction, but a tool for boosting whole-school engagement.

🏆 Real Results from Real Schools

In a recent Moki Challenge, one primary school increased its daily step count by 40% just by adding movement bursts into morning lessons. Teachers noticed improved focus and fewer behaviour issues – particularly in the afternoons.

“We didn’t expect such a big academic impact – we just wanted the kids to be healthier. But we’re seeing them more alert, more engaged, and actually enjoying learning again.”
— Year 5 Teacher, Derbyshire

🔍 The Research Is Clear

If you’re still unsure, here are just a few more studies worth exploring:

🚀 Want to See How Your School Measures Up?

Join over 1,600 schools already using Moki to build healthier, higher-performing classrooms. Simple to set up, screen-free, and loved by kids.

Let’s get your school moving – and learning – more than ever.

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