Movement Matters
Benefit of Physical Activity
More recent research has focused on how movement affects brain function; specifically attention, memory and problem solving, components of Executive Function. There is ample research showing that movement improves executive function and staves off mental decline as we age. Movement is even used to slow the effects of and reduce risk for neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s. Go to any community center or YMCA and you will find special movement classes, like Tai Chi, for older adults. Gym memberships and classes are often subsidized because insurance costs go down when people are more physically active.
The research is clear. Physical movement is a powerful catalyst for human health, and specifically for brain function. If physical activity is such a magic elixir, why do we wait until retirement age to prioritize it? Knowing what we know about how the brain and body develop, why isn’t there a greater focus during the most formative window of brain development, during the first three years of life? If we know the extraordinary benefits of movement for optimal development of executive function, why isn’t there more attention paid to how movement affects brain function at the beginning of life?
There is ample research showing that movement improves executive function and staves off mental decline as we age.
The First Three Years
The first three years of life represent the most critical window for brain development—and movement is a key driver of that growth. In fact, research shows that up to 80% of the brain's structure is formed during this time, beginning in the womb. It’s a time of explosive neurological growth, where billions of connections between brain cells—called synapses—are rapidly being created, refined, and strengthened.
But what fuels this development? One of the most powerful and overlooked drivers is physical movement.
From the earliest kicks in the womb to the rolling, crawling, and reaching of infancy, movement is how the nervous system wires itself. These primitive movement patterns serve a vital purpose: they stimulate sensory and motor pathways, organize brain-body communication, and lay the groundwork for balance, coordination, focus, and even emotional regulation. In essence, movement is the brain’s first teacher.
When a child moves, they’re not just developing muscles—they’re shaping how their brain processes information, responds to the world, and connects with others.
On the flip side, lack of movement in these early stages can have lasting consequences. When babies don’t have enough opportunities to move freely and purposefully, their brain and nervous system can develop in a disorganized way. This can put children at risk for developmental and learning delays, uncoordinated movement patterns, sensory disorders, behavioral issues, learning difficulties, and emotional dysregulation.
Research shows that 80% of our brain development occurs during the first three years of life.
Take Action
Healthy moms, healthy babies - reduce maternal stress, avoid harmful substances while pregnant, eat healthy and get mom moving because what mom does directly impacts her baby’s nervous system and brain development.
Get babies on their tummies. Floor play is crucial for integrating primitive reflexes. When these are retained, the brain and body do not develop properly and the nervous system will be out-of-sync, affecting all future physical, mental, social and emotional development.
Ensure kids move in ways that strengthen the development of their vestibular system. Activities that encourage head movements side-to-side, front-to-back and up-and-down affect the inner ear, influencing the organization of sensory information in the brain. This is perhaps the most important takeaway for every parent, caregiver and educator. A great deal of behavioral and learning issues can be ameliorated with early vestibular experiences.
Reduce containerization of children. Let them move freely, exploring the world so their brain can develop the way it was designed.
Improve childhood nutrition. Just like our cars, the body and brain require very specific fuel to operate. In addition to eating a balanced diet, with plenty of fruits and vegetables for micronutrients, we need healthy fats with Omega 3 fatty acids for proper function of our nervous system.
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