New research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine reveals short bouts of moderately intense exercise can boost self-control in children, adolescents and young adults.

The research examined 12 studies completed up to April 2012, which detailed the impact of short bouts of physical exercise on self-control in three age groups: six to 12 year olds; 13 to 17 year olds; and 18 to 35 year olds.

The analysis revealed that a moderate positive impact was registered in all age groups.

The authors speculated short bouts of exercise may boost cerebral blood flow to the pre-frontal area of the brain, and stated the effect could be especially important for academic achievement and other aspects of daily life, especially in children and teens.

They said exercise could be a useful treatment for conditions such as attention hyperactivity deficit disorder (ADHD) and autism, which are characterised by impaired higher brain functions.

The authors found no correlation between regular exercise and higher brain function in the studies examined, but stated the studies were too few in number and the results were too inconsistent to draw any conclusions.