PHYSICAL FITNESS AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE: IS THERE A LINK?



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In today’s society, there is an alarming trend in the public school system to get the students involved in more core curriculum and less physical education (PE). Some studies have shown however that having more physical activity has lead to higher performance in the classroom.2  Also, PE is a great way for the students to burn off some extra energy while learning how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. 
 

In a study investigating elementary classroom teacher’s attitudes and perspectives regarding physical education, teachers reported that students were more alert, and seemed to be more focused after participating in physical education.1 This will allow students to be much more focused in the classroom.  There is also information that suggests that improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness have short- and long-term positive effects on self-esteem in young people, which is also associated with a higher academic performance.2

Researchers have studied this topic and found some very interesting information.  The study examined the correlation between the FITNESSGRAM physical fitness tests and core curriculum standardized test scores at the elementary school level.  The study examined 32, 2A 5th grade classes in elementary schools across the state of Texas.  The results showed a clear correlation between physical fitness and academic achievement levels specifically, aerobic capacity which was positively associated with achievement3.    

What does this mean for physical education in public schools? Although many schools are working on cutting out PE from their program, they are actually limiting their children more than helping them.  Many high schools across Texas require only a small amount of physical education to students who do not participate in sports in the school. In other states, physical education is required through all years of school regardless of what sports they play.1  For these reasons it is important to keep pushing for PE classes for all ages of students in all parts of the country.

References

1Barney, D., & Deutsch, J. (2009). Elementary classroom teachers attitudes and perspectives of elementary physical education. Physical Educator, 66(3), 114-123. Retrieved from       http://ehis.ebscohost.com/eds/detail?sid=74e3d858-7850-4020-9b9a-fc7b8144371a40sessionmgr115&vid=10&hid=104&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmU3d#db=ehh&AN=47938026

2Ortega, F. B., Ruiz, J. R., Castillo, M. J., & Sjöström, M. (2008). Physical fitness in childhood and adolescence: A powerful marker of health. International Journal of Obesity, 32(1), 1-11. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0803774

3Fabian, E., & Hough, Q. (2013, December). Correlation between fitnessgram achievement and academic achievement. Poster presentation at the 6th Annual Kinesiology Research             Symposium; Tarleton State University; Stephenville, Texas.