A study suggested that children who are active in sports or physical activity perform better at school, according to media reports on Wednesday quoting the U.S. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine.

In the study, one group of kids were given extra time for fitness exercises, and their scores were later compared against a group of kids who didn’t get extra exercise.

Researchers found that those with higher rates of physical activity did better in the classroom.

According to Xinhuanet, three previous studies involving an exercise intervention also found that students given more exercise time scored higher on measures of academic performance.

Researchers said physical activity may enhance children’s brain function and thinking skills by increasing blood and oxygen flow to the brain, as well as triggering the release of feel-good hormones like endorphins.

Amika Singh, from VU University Medical Center in Amsterdam, who worked on the study, said the findings mean that schools should prioritize both academics and exercise and that families could have the same attitude at home.

The findings came as U.S. schools in general cut physical activity time in favor of more academic test preparation.

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BEIJING. January 5. KAZINFORM