Regular Physical Activity Improves Cognitive Ability in Medical Students

Researchers from the Department of Internal Medicine, Omdurman Islamic University in Sudan, have found a positive correlation between regular physical activity and academic achievement among medical students in Sudan. The study, which was conducted in 2020, demonstrated that students who engaged in regular physical activity had higher grade point averages (GPAs) compared to those who did not. This is particularly significant for medical students, who face high academic demands and stressful environments.

Key Takeaways:

• Regular physical activity has been consistently shown to improve cognitive ability among medical students, including those from university students of various age groups.
• The study found a statistically significant increase in physical activity awareness across the year of study, with more than 76% of students aware of the WHO recommendation of physical activity.
• The study's results suggest that regular physical activity has a positive impact on academic success during medical school, with students who engaged in regular physical activity having higher GPAs compared to those who did not.
• The study highlights the importance of physical activity in improving academic achievement among medical students, particularly in high-stress environments.
• The study's findings are particularly significant for medical students in Sudan, where stress and academic demands are high.
• The study's results offer implications for promoting physical activity among medical students, including the development of targeted interventions and policies to support healthy lifestyles.

Statistics:

• 47.8% of the 295 medical students who participated in the study were males, while 52.2% were females.
• The mean age of the students who participated in the study was 21.13 ± 1.42 years.
• More than 76% of the students were aware of the WHO recommendation of physical activity.
• The study found a statistically significant increase in physical activity awareness across the year of study.
• The students who engaged in regular physical activity had a higher GPA compared to those who did not.

Sources:

• Department of Internal Medicine
• Omdurman Islamic University in Sudan
• BMC Medical Education, 2025;25(1):1415
• BMC Medical Education can be contacted at: Bmc, Campus, 4 Crinan St, London N1 9XW, England
• The news correspondents report that additional information may be obtained from Saud Mohammed Raja, Dept. of Internal Medicine, Orotta College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Asmara, Eritrea and Sudan Medical Specialization Board, Khartoum, Sudan
• Bmc, Campus, 4 Crinan St, London N1 9XW, England