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Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the correlation between physiological parameters (namely fatness and physical fitness) with academic performance (namely mathematics and science grade point average [GPA]) in normal weight and overweight schoolchild handball players. Thirty-six young male team handball players (age: 9±1 years; body mass: 45.5±14.2 kg; height: 1.38±9.1 m; body fat: 19.7±5.6%) at the highest national league for their age group participated. Anthropometry was examined by measuring body mass, body fat percentage (%BF), and body mass index (BMI). Fitness testing included the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test (level 1), squat jumps (SJ) and counter-movement jumps (CMJ), and upper-limb throwing performance (2 kg medicine ball seated front throw), a 15 m sprint test, and a T-half test for change-of-direction (COD) ability. Academic performance was evaluated through school records of grade point average (GPA) of mathematics and science. BMI was negatively correlated with science GPA (r = -0.57, p<0.001) and mathematics GPA (r = -0.39, p<0.001). Significant correlations between Yo-Yo test performance and science GPA (r = 0.73, p<0.001) and mathematics GPA (r = 0.66, p<0.001) existed. T-half test score (less time taken meant a superior performance) was negatively correlated with science GPA (r = 0.48, p = 0.003) and mathematics GPA (r = 0.63, p<0.01). In conclusion, fatness and physical fitness (except for the upper-muscular strength) were significantly related to academic performance in in schoolchild handball players. Based on results of this study, it seems pragmatic and appropriate to engage young schoolchild in physical activity as it associates with superior academic performance.
Highlights
In recent decades, research has intensified concerning methods to enhance children’s learning by altering physical activity habits and improving physical fitness
body mass index (BMI) was negatively correlated with science grade point average (GPA) and mathematics GPA (Fig 1, panel A)
The main findings of this study were that correlations exist between fatness, physical fitness, and academic performance in pre-pubertal schoolchildren
Summary
Research has intensified concerning methods to enhance children’s learning by altering physical activity habits and improving physical fitness. Some studies have observed a positive relationship between academic performance and anthropometric composition [7, 8], whereas others have found an inverse relationship [9, 10] meaning increased body weight is inversely associated with academic performance in children. These inconsistencies may pertain to the different measures of fatness (usually assessed through BMI), and their adjustment or lack thereof for different confounding variables. Given the limited, heterogeneous and inconsistent findings on this topic, further studies examining the relationship between fatness and academic achievement are required
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