Physical Activity Intensity as a Catalyst for Learning in Young People: A Systematic Review and Practical Guide

This systematic review examined the effects of physical activity (PA) at different intensities (light, moderate, and vigorous) on learning variables in students aged 6 to 16 years, considering practice modality (individual or group) and timing (before, during, or after school). Based on 42 intervention studies (2014–2024), PA positively influences emotional, socio-behavioral, and cognitive learning dimensions. Emotionally, PA reduces stress, enhances emotional regulation, and boosts intrinsic motivation. Socio-behaviorally, it strengthens skills like cooperation and teamwork, with group interventions being most effective. Cognitively, light-to-moderate PA improves attention and memory, while moderate-to-vigorous intensities benefit inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility, though fatigue may limit high-intensity benefits. Importantly, the context of implementation (regular classroom, physical education class, extracurricular programs, or whole-school approaches) shaped the type and magnitude of benefits observed, highlighting the need to align interventions with pedagogical goals and school conditions. PA during school hours is most effective when integrated with academics, while extracurricular interventions excel when they emphasize voluntary participation and enjoyment. A proposed model positions PA as a critical tool for enhancing learning and overcoming educational barriers, offering guidelines to optimize its impact through intensity, modality, and timing. This review also aims to generate evidence-based recommendations that are adaptable to diverse school contexts worldwide and accessible to educators and families, ensuring that guidance is both practical and inclusive.