The Effects of Physical Activity on Academic Performance in School-Aged Children: A Systematic Review
Schools offer a unique environment to influence children’s physical activity (PA) levels positively. This study aims to systematically review the evidence surrounding how PA affects academic performance by analysing how the frequency, intensity, time, and type of PA mediate academic performance outc...
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2023-06-01
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| Series: | Children |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/10/6/1019 |
| _version_ | 1797595439616229376 |
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| author | Joseph James Andy Pringle Stuart Mourton Clare M. P. Roscoe |
| author_facet | Joseph James Andy Pringle Stuart Mourton Clare M. P. Roscoe |
| author_sort | Joseph James |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Schools offer a unique environment to influence children’s physical activity (PA) levels positively. This study aims to systematically review the evidence surrounding how PA affects academic performance by analysing how the frequency, intensity, time, and type of PA mediate academic performance outcomes. This review was conducted using the PRISMA framework. Keyword searches were conducted in Science Direct, PubMed, and SPORTDiscus. Children that were obese, typically developing, typical weight, disabled, with a developmental disability, from a low socio-economic background, or an ethnic minority were included. A total of 19 studies were included, with a total of 6788 participants, a mean age of 9.3 years (50.2% boys, and 49.8% girls). Overall, 63.2% were nondisabled, while 36.8% were diagnosed with a disability. Two authors met, reviewed papers with regard to the inclusion criteria, and agreed on outputs to be included. Evidence suggests that associations between PA and academic performance were primarily positive or nonsignificant. PA levels of 90 min plus per week were associated with improved academic performance, as was PA performed at moderate to vigorous intensity. The optimal duration of PA was 30–60 min per session, whilst various sports induced positive academic effects. Importantly, findings support that PA does not have a deleterious effect on academic performance but can enhance it. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-11T02:37:32Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-12d6f5833f9043a982e1974a70e5a515 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2227-9067 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-11T02:37:32Z |
| publishDate | 2023-06-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Children |
| spelling | doaj.art-12d6f5833f9043a982e1974a70e5a5152023-11-18T09:50:26ZengMDPI AGChildren2227-90672023-06-01106101910.3390/children10061019The Effects of Physical Activity on Academic Performance in School-Aged Children: A Systematic ReviewJoseph James0Andy Pringle1Stuart Mourton2Clare M. P. Roscoe3Department of Sport and Exercise Science, Clinical Exercise and Rehabilitation Research Centre, University of Derby, Kedleston Road, Derby DE22 1GB, UKDepartment of Sport and Exercise Science, Clinical Exercise and Rehabilitation Research Centre, University of Derby, Kedleston Road, Derby DE22 1GB, UKDepartment of Sport and Exercise Science, Clinical Exercise and Rehabilitation Research Centre, University of Derby, Kedleston Road, Derby DE22 1GB, UKDepartment of Sport and Exercise Science, Clinical Exercise and Rehabilitation Research Centre, University of Derby, Kedleston Road, Derby DE22 1GB, UKSchools offer a unique environment to influence children’s physical activity (PA) levels positively. This study aims to systematically review the evidence surrounding how PA affects academic performance by analysing how the frequency, intensity, time, and type of PA mediate academic performance outcomes. This review was conducted using the PRISMA framework. Keyword searches were conducted in Science Direct, PubMed, and SPORTDiscus. Children that were obese, typically developing, typical weight, disabled, with a developmental disability, from a low socio-economic background, or an ethnic minority were included. A total of 19 studies were included, with a total of 6788 participants, a mean age of 9.3 years (50.2% boys, and 49.8% girls). Overall, 63.2% were nondisabled, while 36.8% were diagnosed with a disability. Two authors met, reviewed papers with regard to the inclusion criteria, and agreed on outputs to be included. Evidence suggests that associations between PA and academic performance were primarily positive or nonsignificant. PA levels of 90 min plus per week were associated with improved academic performance, as was PA performed at moderate to vigorous intensity. The optimal duration of PA was 30–60 min per session, whilst various sports induced positive academic effects. Importantly, findings support that PA does not have a deleterious effect on academic performance but can enhance it.https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/10/6/1019physical activityexercisephysical activity interventionacademic performanceacademic achievementcognitive functioning |
| spellingShingle | Joseph James Andy Pringle Stuart Mourton Clare M. P. Roscoe The Effects of Physical Activity on Academic Performance in School-Aged Children: A Systematic Review Children physical activity exercise physical activity intervention academic performance academic achievement cognitive functioning |
| title | The Effects of Physical Activity on Academic Performance in School-Aged Children: A Systematic Review |
| title_full | The Effects of Physical Activity on Academic Performance in School-Aged Children: A Systematic Review |
| title_fullStr | The Effects of Physical Activity on Academic Performance in School-Aged Children: A Systematic Review |
| title_full_unstemmed | The Effects of Physical Activity on Academic Performance in School-Aged Children: A Systematic Review |
| title_short | The Effects of Physical Activity on Academic Performance in School-Aged Children: A Systematic Review |
| title_sort | effects of physical activity on academic performance in school aged children a systematic review |
| topic | physical activity exercise physical activity intervention academic performance academic achievement cognitive functioning |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/10/6/1019 |
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