Physical activity may improve mathematics performance in children, meta-analysis finds

Researchers searched five databases for randomized controlled trials published from 2006 through June 11, 2026, assessing physical activity and executive function or academic performance in children aged 6–12 years. The review included 31 studies, with 18 contributing to meta-analyses. Outcomes included inhibitory control, working memory, cognitive flexibility, and language and mathematics performance.

Physical activity interventions were associated with better mathematics performance (standardized mean difference [SMD] 0.94, 95% CI 0.57–1.30; p=0.001). Improvements were also reported for inhibitory-control reaction time (SMD −0.55, 95% CI −0.89 to −0.22) and working-memory span (SMD 1.66, 95% CI 1.00–2.46). No significant effects were found for inhibitory-control accuracy, working-memory accuracy or reaction time, cognitive flexibility, or language performance.

The mathematics finding remained robust in Hartung–Knapp-adjusted sensitivity analyses; the two executive-function findings were less stable. The authors rated certainty as low to very low, citing risk of bias, substantial heterogeneity, imprecision, and possible publication bias. The results suggest selective potential benefits but do not establish reliable effects across cognitive or academic domains.