Children who exercise on a regular basis score higher on standardized tests, new research shows. Researchers found that the most physically active children had faster reaction times on behavioral tasks and higher scores on the Illinois Standard Achievement Test.

Previous research had shown physical activity to have a beneficial impact on attention and memory processes throughout a person’s life. This study, conducted on third-, fourth-, and fifth-graders, suggests that exercise may increase the number of molecules protecting the brain, thus preventing the loss of brain tissue.

Source: Society for Psychophysiology Research; Research conducted by Sarah M. Buck, Charles H. Hillman, Darla Castelli, University of Illinois.