NEUROSCIENCE APPLIED TO PHYSICAL EDUCATION: CONTRIBUTIONS TO LEARNING AND COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Physical Education provides benefits for the learning process, grounded in neuroscience. The motor experiences promoted in physical education classes intensify the connections between neural networks, enhancing various cognitive skills. The objective of this research was to identify publications in the scientific literature that address the importance of Physical Education and its impact on the learning process, in light of the contributions of neuroscience. The method used was a literature review with a qualitative methodological approach. Data collection was conducted from November 2022 to February 2023. The research was conducted in electronic databases: Scielo, Pubmed, Google Scholar, Bireme, and the dissertation and theses databases of Portuguese-language universities. The results indicate that physical education enhances cognitive functions, such as attention, memory, concentration, and anxiety control, by strengthening brain connections essential for learning. The conclusion is that physical education classes have neuroscientific evidence, demonstrating that moderate physical activity promotes the formation of new neural connections, emotional development, self-esteem, self-confidence, as well as cognitive development and neuroplasticity, a fundamental process for modifying and strengthening neural connections. Finally, the importance of increasing the number of hours dedicated to physical education classes is highlighted, as neuroscience studies demonstrate that activities implemented by teachers can trigger processes that facilitate brain neuroplasticity, enhancing individuals' responses to environmental demands.