A recent study of fourth through eighth graders in a racially and economically diverse public school district published in the Journal of School Health found that the kids who were fit and active had better odds of passing standardized math, reading, social studies, science, and English tests than the kids who were sedentary, even when controlled for gender, ethnicity, and socio-economic status. The researchers found a positive correlation between the number of physical fitness tests and standardized academic tests that a child had passed. 

The results indicate that time spent in physical activity and fitness training enhance rather than detract academic performance.

Other research has shown that children who have learning differences such as ADD or ADHD learn better when kinesthetic activity is brought into play, helping them to focus on their assignments while demonstrating better retention on tests at later dates. 

Helping teachers and students put physical activity and classroom learning together in one package is the Apple 3 Fitness Learning Kiosk. As kids learn their lessons, they are guided through a workout on one of the pieces of exercise equipment. The kiosk has a Mac computer with three monitors to accommodate multiple users. Technical equipment includes all needed cables; a keyboard and mouse; connections for older DVD players; a five-speaker sound system with subwoofers; a Blu-Ray hookup; a vibration-absorbing shelf; and brackets for mounting and cable management. An optional additional kiosk is available.

The teachers’ resource pack includes 15 standard learning presentations and a one year subscription to 12 custom ones; a Kidsfit Exercise and Learn manual; and the Brain Body books and DVD series. 

When adults take breaks from their tasks, even periods of time as short as five minutes, they go back to work refreshed, performing and retaining information better than if they had pushed through to the end of the day without taking a time-out. The same is true for kids. The presentations on the Apple 3 provide prompts for learning and for movement by riding stationary bikes, swiveling, or engaging in other physical activity. 

The multiple benefits of using the kiosk in classrooms include developing the ability to process sensory and cognitive input at a faster rate; protection against cognitive decline thanks to the combination of physical activity and intellectual stimulation; developing key cognitive skills; and its adaptability to individual learning needs. Thanks to the physical exercise, levels of BDNF, a substance that encourages growth of brain cells, is increased, and stimulates more growth in the hippocampus, the part of the brain associated with spatial reasoning and cognitive tasks.

Dropping standardized test scores and reading levels coupled with rising levels of ADD, ADHD, and childhood obesity inspired the creation of the Kidsfit Apple systems in hopes of reversing the statistics.  The Apple 3 Kiosks are suitable for both public and private schools and can be used in both regular and special needs classrooms, gym classes, and tutoring sessions. And no one will mind if a teacher or administrator wants to hop on the stationary bike after hours, either. 

Fran Jablway,
Medical Consumer Writer
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO