Fit Kids are Smart Kids
There is a distinct relationship between academic achievement and physical fitness, according to a recent study by the California Department of Education. In the study, reading and mathematics scores were matched with fitness scores of 353,000 fifth graders, 322,000 seventh graders, and 279,000 ninth graders. The key findings:
- Higher achievement was associated with higher levels of fitness at each of the three grade levels measured.
- The relationship between academic achievement and fitness was greater in mathematics than in reading, particularly at higher fitness levels.
- Students who met minimum fitness levels in three or more physical fitness areas showed the greatest gains in academic achievement at all three grade levels.
- Females demonstrated higher achievement than males, particularly at higher fitness levels.