A new study suggests regular physical activity in the classroom might improve student learning. 

Research from Deakin University finds regular breaks involving physical activity during classroom education could help student learning and improve on-task behaviour.

The team gave 141 children between the ages of six and eight from two schools either breaks involving brain-stimulating physical activity, or no breaks outside of recess or lunch over a six week period. 

The study found that students who engaged in the active breaks had more efficient brain activity, and were able to stay on-task better than students who did not take the active breaks, but there was no clear improvement to working memory or lapses of attention.