The effects of physical activity and physical fitness on children's achievement and cognitive outcomes A meta-analysis

• Published in: Research quarterly for exercise and sport Vol. 82; no. 3; pp. 521 - 535
• Main Authors: Fedewa, Alicia L, Ahn, Soyeon
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Taylor & Francis Group 01.09.2011; American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Academic Achievement; Achievement; Achievement Gains; activity; Aktivität; Altersgruppe; Behinderung; Bewegung (Motorische); Child; Child psychology; Cognition; Cognitive Ability; Cognitive Development; Cognitive psychology; Effect Size; Exercise; Exercise Physiology; Forschungsstand; Geistige Arbeit; Humans; Intelligence Tests; Kind; Körper (Biol); learning; Leistungsfähigkeit; Literature Reviews; Meta Analysis; Metaanalyse; Motor Activity; Obesity; overweight; Physical Education; Physical Education and Training; Physical Fitness; Program Effectiveness; Schematic Studies; school health; Schulleistung; Soziale Interaktion; Sportpädagogik; Sportunterricht; Synthesis; Training; Trainingshäufigkeit; Trainingsmethode; Trainingsprogramm; Wirkung
• ISSN: 0270-1367; 2168-3824
• DOI: 10.1080/02701367.2011.10599785

It is common knowledge that physical activity leads to numerous health and psychological benefits. However, the relationship between children's physical activity and academic achievement has been debated in the literature. Some studies have found strong, positive relationships between physical activity and cognitive outcomes, while other studies have reported small, negative associations. This study was a comprehensive, quantitative synthesis of the literature, using a total of 59 studies from 1947 to 2009 for analysis. Results indicated a significant and positive effect of physical activity on children's achievement and cognitive outcomes, with aerobic exercise having the greatest effect. A number of moderator variables were also found to play a significant role in this relationship. Findings are discussed in light of improving children's academic performance and changing school-based policy. Verf.-Referat.