Book Review: Spark by John Ratey

Spark is a great book that I encourage all our members to read.  It is proof positive that physical activity is essential for all people, especially kids.  Exercise is vital for mental and cognitive development as well as physical health.  The evidence is clear that physical exertion causes the production and circulation of vital compounds in the brain such as Brain Derived Neutrophic Factor and Vascualr Endothelial Growth Factor.  These types of compounds are vital in a process known as neurogenesis; the creation of neurons within the brain.  The author states these factors work together in the brain to "crank up the molecular machinery of learning".

Ratey goes on to discuss lots of research and a great deal of case studies as well.  "He explains that the brain works just as msucles do - growing with use, withering with inactivity - and shows why getting your heart and lungs pumping can mean the difference between a calm, foucsed mind and a harried, inattentive self."  The different chapters of the book discuss how exercise affects different aspects of life such as learning, stress, anxiety, depression, attention deficit, addiction, hormonal changes, and aging.

Also, Ratey writes about some of the more progressive school districts and how they are emphasizing exercise and fitness in their physical education programs rather than team sports.  The reality is most adulst will never use team sports for fitness activities.  In addition, the most challenging classes such as mathematics and science are done immediately after gym class.

Here are some other great take home points that I hope will make our members want to read the book.  "Learning and memory evolved in concert with the motor functions that allowed our ancestors to track down food, so as far as our brains are concerned, if we're not moving, there is no need to learn anything."

"The evidence isn't perfect, but really, your regimen has to include skill acquisition and aerobic exercise."

"The more complex the movements, the more complex the synaptic connections.  And even though these circuits are created through movement, they can be recruited by other areas and used for thinking."

The author of Spark, John Ratey, is a clinical associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.  He has authored several other books such as Driven to Distraction, Shadow Syndromes, and A User's Guide to the Brain.