International Journal of New Developments in Education, 2025, 7(7); doi: 10.25236/IJNDE.2025.070712.
Xinli Wang
Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), Beijing, 100089, China
With the development of society and changes in educational concepts, the impact of physical education on students' cognitive abilities has gained increasing attention in academia. This paper explores the role of physical education in promoting students' cognitive development, especially during the process of motor skill learning and psychological growth. The research shows that physical education not only improves students' physical fitness through the training of motor skills, but also enhances cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and information processing, thus promoting cognitive development. Factors such as emotional regulation, decision-making, and teamwork in physical activities further help students improve their mental health and self-regulation abilities. Moreover, physical education has a positive impact on academic performance, lifelong learning abilities, and thinking patterns. This paper provides a theoretical basis for the relationship between physical education and cognitive development, and highlights the significant potential of physical education in enhancing students' overall abilities.
Physical Education; Cognitive Ability; Motor Skills; Psychological Development; Emotional Regulation; Self-Regulation; Academic Performance; Lifelong Learning
Xinli Wang. The Role of Physical Education in Promoting Students' Cognitive Development—from Motor Skill Learning to Psychological Growth. International Journal of New Developments in Education (2025), Vol. 7, Issue 7: 74-78. https://doi.org/10.25236/IJNDE.2025.070712.
[1] Xu, Kun. "A Study on the Mechanism of College Physical Education in Promoting Students' Psychological Quality Development." Ice and Snow Sports Innovation Research, 6.11 (2025): 80-82.
[2] Lu, Lijuan. "Discussion on the Integration of Physical Education and Mental Health Education in High Schools." Proceedings of the Guangdong Education Society 2025 Annual Academic Conference (Volume I). Ed. Zhongshan Middle School, 2025, 1349-1351.
[3] Zhao, Zhiming. "The Multidimensional Empowerment of College Physical Education on College Students' Mental Health and Practical Exploration." Sports Trends, 07 (2025): 131-133.
[4] Tian, Dandan. "Research on the Engagement of Physical Skill Learning in Physical Education Students." Mudanjiang Normal University, MA thesis.2024
[5] Lv, Zhonglin, and Wen, Xiaojun. "Reflections on the Application of Motor Skill Transfer in Physical Education Training." Sports World, 03 (2023): 53-55.
[6] Liu, Chang, Zhang, Jianwei, and Shi, Xiangyu. "The Integration Path and Effects of College Physical Sports and Mental Health Education." Chinese School Health, 46.01 (2025): 153-154.