Assessment of the impact of physical exercises on brain memory of children in primary schools in Kampala

Abstract

Research among school-aged children has demonstrated that physical exercise especially aerobic exercises have positive effects on brain memory and that it is associated with academic achievement and desirable classroom behavior. The general aim of this study was to assess the impact of physical exercise on brain memory of children in primary schools of Uganda in Kampala Region, a case of Kitante Primary School. In a bid to achieve this objective, the study sought to establish the different ways children are engaged in physical activity exercises; to find out the level of involvement in physical activity exercises; as well to find out the relationship between physical activity and brain memory of children in primary schools in Uganda. The study was carried out in Kitante primary school, Central Division, Kampala Capital City. Study population comprised of teachers, children, coaches and parents of Kitante primary school. The target population of 75 children aged 9-14 years was selected from different classes. Simple random sampling was used. Data was collected using questionnaires and use of scientific experiments. Qualitative data was analyzed through content analysis whereas quantitative data was analyzed using figures and tables. The study reveals that school going children generally do not satisfactorily engage in physical activity exercises required in boosting their critical thinking skills, grade point averages and standardized test scores. The study concludes that the magnitude of both moderate and vigorous physical exercises affects the brain memory of the primary school children either positively or negatively and hence influencing their academic performance. The study recommended the need for the government to spearhead and develop a workable policy on physical activity promotion in school, training of both children and teachers, media campaign on the awareness of physical activity impact on brain memory of Children.