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The science

The science of the five-minute break.

Movement breaks aren’t a reward for good behaviour. They’re a biological necessity. Here’s the research that shapes every game in ClassBreak.

What happens in the brain.

50 studies

reviewed by the CDC on school-based physical activity: over half found positive associations with academic performance, and none found that making time for activity harmed results. (CDC, 2010)

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On-task ↑

Classroom physical-activity breaks can improve on-task behaviour and academic achievement, without costing instructional time. (Donnelly & Lambourne, Preventive Medicine, 2011)

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BDNF ↑

Aerobic movement raises brain-derived neurotrophic factor, the protein John Ratey calls “Miracle-Gro for the brain”, priming it for learning. (Ratey & Hagerman, Spark, 2008)

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When students are sedentary for long periods, cerebral blood flow decreases and attention falters. Physical movement, even brief, low-intensity activity, triggers the release of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), dopamine, and norepinephrine. These chemicals improve attention, memory consolidation, and mood.

“Physical activity is like Miracle-Gro for the brain.”
John Ratey, MD, Harvard Medical School, author of Spark

What the research says.

CDC (2010)
The Association Between School-Based Physical Activity, Including Physical Education, and Academic Performance

A review of 50 studies: physical activity is positively associated with academic performance, including grades, test scores, and classroom behaviour: and no study found it harmed results.

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Donnelly & Lambourne (2011)
Classroom-based physical activity, cognition, and academic achievement (Preventive Medicine)

Physically active academic lessons and movement breaks can improve attention, on-task behaviour and achievement without reducing instructional time.

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Ratey & Hagerman (2008)
Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain

Regular aerobic exercise and movement breaks enhance neuroplasticity and prime the brain for learning.

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Watson et al. (2017)
Classroom-based physical activity interventions and academic outcomes: a systematic review (IJBNPA)

Across 39 studies, classroom activity breaks showed positive effects on classroom behaviour, with no evidence of harm to learning outcomes.

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How ClassBreak applies the science.

Under 5 minutes

Every ClassBreak game is designed to fit the 5-minute window research identifies as optimal, long enough to shift brain chemistry, short enough to maintain lesson momentum.

Low equipment, low fuss

Cognitive load matters. Complicated setup instructions burn the same mental resources you're trying to restore. ClassBreak games have rules you can read in 30 seconds.

Variety by design

Habitual breaks lose their effectiveness. ClassBreak's 1,000+ games ensure novelty, a key driver of dopamine release and attention reset.

Put the science to work.

The 14-day trial opens every one of our 1,000+ games and all 122 courses from day one. Card needed to start.

Start your free trial

14 days free, then AU$3.99/month or AU$39.99/year. Card needed to start, we email you before day 14, cancel any time, full refund within 30 days.