A new international study finds that outdoor physical activity delivers greater improvements in children’s brain function than the same exercise done indoors. The findings, published in Physiology & Behavior in mid-2025, are prompting Thai schools and families to rethink how and where kids stay active. The research reinforces nature’s unique role in sharpening young minds and offers a timely opportunity to strengthen Thailand’s public health and education strategies.
Why this matters for Thai families and schools. As competition rises and screen time grows in Thailand, educators and parents are looking for the best ways to support cognitive health and learning. In many Thai settings, structured indoor activities—basketball in air‑conditioned gyms, or dance and aerobics in multipurpose halls—are common. The new evidence suggests environment matters. Outdoor activity appears to offer brain-boosting benefits that can affect classroom focus, academic performance, and stress management.
The study, led by researchers at Nottingham Trent University, involved 45 children aged 11–13 from two UK secondary schools. They participated in matched basketball sessions: one indoors, one outdoors. Using established tests of attention, memory, and higher-order thinking, the researchers found sharper cognitive performance after outdoor exercise. Reaction times improved markedly, accuracy increased, and the benefits persisted at least 45 minutes after activity. In a Stroop attention test, outdoor activity shortened reaction times by about 94 milliseconds versus 20 milliseconds for indoor exercise. Memory recall and attention scores also rose after outdoor sessions. Making the comparison across two settings helped isolate the impact of environment on cognitive outcomes. Data from reputable outlets summarize the study’s key findings, highlighting the strong case for outdoor learning environments.
Important nuances. The improvements were not simply due to higher energy expenditure or greater enjoyment of the session. Outdoor activity involved fewer sprints, yet participants showed a higher overall workload through increased heart rate. Self-reported enjoyment and mood were similar across settings. This aligns with a broader body of research suggesting outdoor environments offer restorative brain benefits beyond basic movement or mood enhancement.
What explains the outdoor “nature” effect? Attention Restoration Theory is a leading explanation. Natural spaces lightly engage our attention, allowing stressed brains to recover and function more effectively. Thailand’s extensive greenery—from school lawns and temple campuses to public parks—offers ample opportunities to integrate outdoor experiences into daily routines. However, teachers and policymakers must intentionally design these experiences to reap the cognitive rewards.
Relevance to Thailand’s context. While the UK study took place in relatively green rural schools, the implications resonate for Bangkok and rapidly urbanizing Thai towns. Experts emphasize practical steps: maximize outdoor activity in available green spaces, whether on campus lawns, temple courtyards, or community fields. Even urban schools can benefit from rotating outdoor activities or coordinating with parks for structured outdoor breaks. This aligns with concerns about student stress and exam pressure, particularly for those preparing for major university entrance assessments.
Thai health and education perspectives support the findings. A pediatrician active in child-hood exercise research notes rising smartphone use and sedentary lifestyles in Thai cities. If outdoor play truly enhances cognitive resources, it should be central to child development policies—especially as many Thai children recover from pandemic-related learning losses. Government data indicate fewer than a quarter of Thai children meet daily physical activity recommendations, with outdoor play time constrained in high-rise housing and dense urban schools.
Thai culture and urban realities. Traditional Thai pastimes— sepak takraw on temple grounds or kite-flying in public parks—reflect a long-standing appreciation for outdoor activity. Yet rapid urbanization, safety concerns, and academic pressures have pushed children indoors. The current study lends scientific support to the wisdom of earlier generations who valued outdoor play for both physical and mental well-being.
Looking ahead. Researchers call for more work to determine how different outdoor settings—woodland, urban playgrounds, or temple courtyards—affect cognition, and whether teenagers gain even greater benefits. Limitations of the present study include a small, privileged sample. Future Thai-focused research could explore under-resourced urban and rural schools and establish the minimum outdoor “dose” needed for cognitive gains. Cross-cultural evidence from Asian contexts supports the potential broader relevance of these findings.
Practical recommendations for Thai readers.
- Prioritize meaningful daily outdoor play for children of all ages, even short sessions adapted to Thailand’s climate.
- Schools should collaborate with local authorities and communities to improve access to safe outdoor spaces, particularly in underserved areas.
- Consider incorporating outdoor classrooms, rotating outdoor lessons (science experiments, art, etc.), and “green breaks” into the school day as a component of education reform.
Bottom line. As Thailand aims to develop creative, resilient, and mentally agile youths, the science is clear: time in nature matters for brain development as much as for physical health. Integrating outdoor activity into family routines, classrooms, and urban planning can support sharper learning, reduced stress, and healthier communities. For parents and teachers seeking actionable steps, a simple start—fifteen minutes of outdoor play—can be a powerful lever for cognitive growth.
For a fuller view of the research, read coverage from reputable outlets that summarize the key findings.