Title
Physical activity and academic achievement
Research Area
Education
Author
Haapala, E A et al; Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport
Summary of Findings
Based on the limited evidence available that links activity rates to improved academic performance, this piece of research sought to investigate the independent and combined associations of objectively measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and sedentary time with reading and arithmetic skills. The research used a cohort of 89 boys and 69 girls aged 6-8. Physical activity levels were established through the wearing of a combined heart rate and movement sensor. Three types of academic achievement were measured: reading fluency, reading comprehension and arithmetic skills.
Across all three academy years examined, there appeared to be higher reading fluency for the more active children. More physically active boys on average had a lower body fat percentage and better motor performance. Additionally boys with higher physical activity levels were linked with greater reading fluency in all years, better reading comprehension in grade one and greater arithmetic skills in grade one. No significant difference were found in the girls results.
Implications
The implications of this research, particularly the positive relationship between activity levels and academic performance amongst boys, raises a number of questions and suggests more research is needed in this area. Active Black Country have plans to develop a longitudinal study that uses the Active Lives Survey to engage the same cohort over a period of 5 years, observing activity levels and school performance over time.
.png "Physical activity and academic achievement")
