Children who are physically fit have faster and more attuned brain responses during reading than their less-fit peers, according to a new study.

Researchers at the University of Illinois compared the correlation between language skills and higher of levels fitness in children. The findings – first published in the journal Brain and Cognition – suggest that children who are fitter have stronger language skills and process information quicker than their peers.

The researchers say that the new findings do not prove that higher fitness directly influences the changes seen in the electrical activity of the brain, but offer a potential explanation as to why fitness correlates so closely with better cognitive performance on a variety of tasks.

The research suggests more exploration into the causes of improved cognition in fitter children, but the new findings add to a growing body of research that advocates the importance of promoting fitness from an early age.

With national activity levels plummeting Health Club Management editor Kate Cracknell said in a leader column last month it was time for a rethink on how the industry promotes physical activity. At the same time, organisations such as the British Heart Foundation, Nike and Premier League are coming together to promote an hour of activity each day for children.