To what extent does exercise dosage affect working memory in children and adolescents?

Working Memory (WM) denotes the mental capacity that allows people to store, process, and manipulate information for a short time, which is essential as a component of executive function. In consequence, the healthy development in children and adolescents, and improvement of working memory, should be given weight, and a proper dosage of exercise is a promising solution to it. In order to give evidence-based physical activity recommendations for schools, this study researches the extent to which working memory is affected in children and adolescents, focusing on working memory and assessment methods, the most effective exercise types and amounts, and the physical changes in the nervous system related to exercise. The findings of this study indicate that working memory is enhanced by the motor skills involved across different types of sports, which can stimulate the prefrontal cortex. A regimen of high-intensity exercise for 10- 20 minutes per session, for 2-5 days per week, for at least a month, is linked to better working memory, while the dosage for moderate-intensity exercise remains inconclusive. It is also found that cognitive deficits like anxiety and individual variables like age and fitness level are potential factors that may impact cognitive performance. Given these influences, more research is needed to get a better understanding of their connection with working memory and, finally, to provide recommendations for future school physical education.