5. Movement - what we do know
Physical activity is “any bodily movement via skeletal muscles that results in energy expenditure.” (Casperson CJ, Powell KE, Christenson GM. Physical activity, exercise and physical fitness: definitions and distinctions for health-related research. Public health reports 1985;100(2):126-31
I have chosen to use the term ‘movement’, positioning movement not just as a prescriptive, but adaptable tool for emotional regulation - not limited to physical education or therapy, but applicable in micro-practices across educational, clinical, and community settings. For example if a classroom were being disrupted by a lack of focus, a teacher might introduce a micro dose of movement in a timeframe of under a minute in order to recalibrate the attention of the group. The terms ‘physical activity’ and ‘exercise’ seem abstract from functional settings and normal life.
Movement indicates vitality, which is a signal of good health. Movement has been shown to be effective both as an adjunct and stand-alone treatment for depression. Symptom reduction and quality of life increase were equivalent to that of CBT or antidepressant drugs, according to the latest Cochrane review.
Personal health status
Physical benefits of movement include:
• Increased mobility
• Increased muscle strength / endurance / / balance / spatial awareness
• Increased body awareness
Cognitive benefits of movement include:
• Learning and memory - picking up sequences of movement patterns
• Attention - imitating other peoples movement / copying
• Creativity - embellished movement
• Mental agility.
Emotional benefits of movement include:
• Feelings of joy
• Increased self esteem
• Stress reduction
• Increase psychological wellbeing
• Diminished perceptions of poor body image
The way we move our body is influenced by underlying body chemistry.
The human brain is specialised for the control of movement, in order to manipulate over 600 muscles. Motor cortex: planning control and execution of voluntary movements. Basal ganglia: coordinate and filter unsuitable movement. Cerebellum: integrating sensory input to produce precise, fluid movement. Precuneus: spacial perception. This region creates map of our body’s position in space (proprioception)
Physical movement sends signals to the brain, activating both the core of the nervous system and the neocortex (brain outer layer).
Movement triggers a complex chain of biological events, which can fundamentally change the way we think and solve problems. Increased blood flow: around 20% is directed to the brain. The dynamic brain is where we do our thinking; and executive function relies on changes to molecular, vascular and cellular structures. Exercise increases the production of a protein called neurotrophic factor , and other hormones and transmitters.
It is the stimulation of this intricate, interconnected neural network that underpins the extraordinary link between moving and razor sharp thinking.
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In the USA, there are lawyers who specialise in flash mob law. The tension between human desire to move spontaneously in unregulated environments and society’s need to maintain law and order are at direct odds with each other.
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