Rodrigo Antunes Lima1,2, Lisbeth Runge Larsen3, Anna Bugge2, Lars Bo Andersen4,5. 1. 1 CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil. 2. 2 University of Southern Denmark. 3. 3 University College Lillebaelt. 4. 4 Western Norwegian University of Applied Sciences. 5. 5 Norwegian School of Sport Sciences.
Abstract
PURPOSE: The current investigation aimed to investigate the longitudinal association between physical fitness and academic performance over 3 years in adolescents. A secondary aim was to determine to what extent waist circumference mediated the association between physical fitness and academic performance. METHODS: For the current study, 1020 students from first grade [mean age: 7.87 (0.34) y] to fifth grade [mean age: 11.87 (0.37) y] were monitored annually for 3 years (2010-2013). Physical fitness was assessed using the Andersen test, 5 × 5-m shuttle run, jump height, and grip strength tests and by constructing a composite score combining all 4 fitness tests. Academic performance was assessed by national standardized tests in Danish language and math. Generalized structural equation modeling was used to evaluate the relationships between these variables. RESULTS: The Andersen test (standardized β = 0.15 SD), shuttle run (β = -0.18 SD), jump height (β = 0.10 SD), and the fitness composite score (β = 0.23 SD) were positively associated with academic performance over 3 years. In addition, waist circumference partially mediated the association between physical fitness and academic performance. CONCLUSION: Thus, physical fitness abilities should be stimulated during childhood and early adolescence because of their positive association with academic performance.
PURPOSE: The current investigation aimed to investigate the longitudinal association between physical fitness and academic performance over 3 years in adolescents. A secondary aim was to determine to what extent waist circumference mediated the association between physical fitness and academic performance. METHODS: For the current study, 1020 students from first grade [mean age: 7.87 (0.34) y] to fifth grade [mean age: 11.87 (0.37) y] were monitored annually for 3 years (2010-2013). Physical fitness was assessed using the Andersen test, 5 × 5-m shuttle run, jump height, and grip strength tests and by constructing a composite score combining all 4 fitness tests. Academic performance was assessed by national standardized tests in Danish language and math. Generalized structural equation modeling was used to evaluate the relationships between these variables. RESULTS: The Andersen test (standardized β = 0.15 SD), shuttle run (β = -0.18 SD), jump height (β = 0.10 SD), and the fitness composite score (β = 0.23 SD) were positively associated with academic performance over 3 years. In addition, waist circumference partially mediated the association between physical fitness and academic performance. CONCLUSION: Thus, physical fitness abilities should be stimulated during childhood and early adolescence because of their positive association with academic performance.
Keywords:
adolescent; aerobic; body composition; strength
Authors: Rodrigo A Lima; David F Stodden; Karin A Pfeiffer; Lisbeth R Larsen; Mauro V G Barros; Anna Bugge; Lars B Andersen Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-04-17 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Ryan A Williams; Simon B Cooper; Karah J Dring; Lorna Hatch; John G Morris; Caroline Sunderland; Mary E Nevill Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2020-09-14 Impact factor: 3.295