DOES PHYSICAL LITERACY PREDICT ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT IN ADOLESCENT STUDENTS?

Abstract

There is an assumption that fostering PL in young students can enhance performance and achievement in other areas of the curriculum. However, evidence supporting this relationship is missing. The purposes of this study were to verify whether physical literacy (PL) is correlated with academic achievement (AA) in adolescent students and whether PL predicts AA across time. A cohort study was conducted with 122 adolescents. Participants were assessed at baseline and 5 months later. PL was determined in terms of psychomotor domain (motor competence, physical activity level, musculoskeletal fitness and body composition). AA was measured at both time points and determined using writing, reading and math scores in standardized tests. Pearson correlations and regression analysis between PL and AA were performed. No significant correlations were found between PL and AA. Regression analysis revealed that PL did not predict AA across time. This study indicates that PL does not predict AA in adolescent students across time. Regardless, we encourage the promotion of PL in physical education classes and educational settings due its importance for general development of children and adolescents, including aspects of health and behaviour.