Association between academic achievement and physical status including physical activity, aerobic and muscular fitness tests in adolescent boys.

Hassan-Ali Kalantari,Samad Esmaeilzadeh

doi:10.1007/s12199-015-0495-x

Hassan-Ali Kalantari, Samad Esmaeilzadeh

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s12199-015-0495-x

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Abstract

The study aimed to explore the association between academic achievement and physical status including physical activity, aerobic and muscular fitness tests in a sample of adolescents. Five hundred and eighty 15-17 years old adolescent boys underwent standard anthropometry and various physical fitness tests (e.g., one-mile run/walk, grip strength, run speed, agility, push-ups and sit and reach tests). PA was obtained by questionnaire. Academic achievement of the boys was extracted from the cumulative grade point averages (CGPA) from school records. Possible covariates/confounders such as adiposity, pubertal maturation status and socioeconomic status were obtained. After controlling for potential confounders PA was not significantly correlated to CGPA (P > 0.05). Among the physical fitness tests, just time in one-mile run/walk test added significant effect on prediction of CGPA (P < 0.01). None of the other fitness tests were significantly correlated to CGPA (P > 0.05). Aerobic fitness (but not PA and muscular fitness) was significantly correlated to better academic achievement in the adolescent boys.

Highlights

Inactivity is a growing public health and educational concern
None of the other fitness tests were significantly correlated to cumulative grade point averages (CGPA) (P [ 0.05)
Aerobic fitness was significantly correlated to better academic achievement in the adolescent boys

Summary

Introduction

Children and adolescents have become increasingly sedentary, and this lifestyle change is associated with substantial increases in obesity [1], and several metabolic diseases [2]. A sedentary lifestyle during childhood influences physical health, but cognitive and brain health as well [3], and it has been suggested that low levels of physical activity (PA) and aerobic fitness are associated with declines in cognitive abilities, brain structure and function, and academic achievement [3]. There is a possibility that maintaining a high level of physical fitness may be helpful for improving academic achievement [5]. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and muscular fitness (e.g., strength, speed, flexibility, agility, etc.) are components of physical fitness that have

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