Academic Performance and Exercise
Exercise is a good indicator of academic performance. The CDC found that engaging in regular exercise is consistently linked to better test scores and grades. Although time dedicated to physical activity may reduce study time, the CDC reports that it is does not negatively affect academic performance.
A study in 2017 found that after a physical activity intervention, such as PE, sports or other after school activities, reading, math and composite scores increased (Voss et al.). Math showed the greatest positive relationship with physical activity, so children struggling with math can benefit from participating in regular exercise.
Physical activity is not only essential for physical health, it is also critical for proper mental development. Voss et al. found that children who have a high fitness level are more effective in problem solving tasks. The CDC reports that a greater physical fitness is related with better cognitive performance, such as memory and concentration.
References
Álvarez-Bueno, C., Pesce, C., Cavero-Redondo, I., Sánchez-López, M., Garrido-Miguel, M., & Artínez-Vizcaíno, V. (2017). Academic achievement and physical activity: A meta-analysis. Pediatrics, 140. doi:https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2017-1498
Health and academics. (2017). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/health_and_academics/index.htm
Voss, M., Chaddock, L., Kim, J., Vanpatter, M., Pontifex, M., Raine, L., . . . Kramer, A. (2011). Aerobic fitness is associated with greater efficiency of the network underlying cognitive control in preadolescent children. Neuroscience,199, 166-176. doi:10.1016/j.neuroscience.2011.10.009