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, 1990, Cited In Jensen, 1995, P.99). Hormones May Play A Role In Learning ...

, 1990, cited in Jensen, 1995, p.99).
Hormones may play a role in learning difficulties. Research by Tallal et al. has shown that learning difficulties, particularly in the areas of speech and language, are more common in males that in females. This has been attributed to increased levels of testosterone being present in males (Tallal et al., 1991).
Exercise and the Learning Process:
As described by Abbott the brain can be changed through positive interactions with the environment. One such positive interaction is exercise, enhancing and changing the structure of the brain to improve the learning process. This is not a new idea with suggestions that motor skills training can help children with learning disabilities being presented as early as the 1970s (Kephart, 1971). Recent developments have verified this with even short, moderate physical exercise being shown to improve brain performance (Sousa, 2006, p. 232) and this should begin with children as soon as possible, before the process of formal schooling begins by giving them opportunities to explore that environment and engage in safe, active exploration (Jensen, 2006, p.247). It is easiest to develop and change the brain in the early years so it is important that young children engage in some form of physical activity.
This increase in learning ability because of exercise has been attributed to an increase in the number of capillaries in the brain which facilitates blood transport and increases the amount of oxygen in the blood, oxygen which serves as fuel for the brain. The amount of oxygen has been shown to be related to the brain's ability to carry out tasks, with higher concentrations of oxygen in the blood significantly enhancing cognitive performance in young adult males (Sousa, 2006, p.232). In tests young adult males who had undergone a period of exercise were able to recall more words from a list and perform spatial tasks faster than those who had not exercised. Their cognitive abilities were shown to vary directly with the amount of oxygen in the brain (Chung et al., 2004).
Research presented by Ahmadiasl and colleagues has shown that physical activity produced a significant enhancement in spatial learning ability, coupled with an increase in levels of epinephrine in rats (Ahmadiasl, 2003, p.106). Epinephrine is an important hormone for developing feelings of well being. Other research that supports the idea of exercise in learning comes from Dienstbier who proposes that aerobic exercise causes the brain to produce adrenaline which is vital in meeting and dealing with new challenges (Dienstbier, 1989), as well as being beneficial in the learning process.

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