Exercise boosts the brain power of children and time taken away from school lessons for physical activity is time well spent and does not come at the cost of getting good grades, a panel of international experts has said.

Twenty-four experts from a number of countries, including the UK, Denmark and the US, have published a consensus statement on physical activity during school time and leisure time. Their statement is based on the best evidence currently available relating to young people aged between six and 18 years.

The experts stated that physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness are good for children's brain development, brain function and intellect.

In fact, even a single session of moderately energetic physical activity has immediate positive effects on a child's brain function, intellect and academic performance, they noted.

Meanwhile, a session of physical activity before, during and after school boosts academic prowess, while children who master basic movement will see a boost to their brain power and academic performance.

The experts also insisted that time taken away from school lessons in favour of physical activity ‘has been shown to not come at the cost of scholastic performance in children and youth'.

They explained that fitness is a strong predictor of the risk of developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes later in life, so vigorous exercise during childhood keeps these risk factors in check.

However, even moderate and low intensity exercise, if done frequently, can still help improve a child's heart health and metabolism, although this will be to a lesser extent.

The experts also highlighted that it is not just a child's physical health that benefits from being active. It can also help to boost self-esteem, confidence, motivation and can strengthen or foster relationships with parents, peers, mentors and coaches.

Activities can also lead to social inclusion for children from different backgrounds, sexual orientation and ethnicities.

According to the statement, incorporating physical activity into all aspects of school life and providing public spaces that encourage this, such as parks, playgrounds and bicycle lanes, ‘are both effective strategies for providing equitable access to, and enhancing physical activity for, children and youth'.

The full consensus statement is published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.