Physically Fit Kids Do Better In School

Good article to share.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090128113246.htm

Physically Fit Kids Do Better In School

ScienceDaily (Jan. 30, 2009) — A new study in the Journal of School
Health found that physically fit kids scored better on standardized
math and English tests than their less fit peers.

Researchers examined the relationship between physical fitness and
academic achievement in a racially and economically diverse urban
public school district of children enrolled in grades 4 – 8 during the
2004 – 2005 academic year.

Results of their study show that there is a significant relationship
between students' academic achievement and physical fitness. The odds
of passing both standardized math and English tests increased as the
number of fitness tests passed increased, even when controlling for
gender, race/ethnicity, and socio-economic status.

School time and resources are often diverted from Physical Education
and opportunities for physical activity such as recess. However, this
study shows that students who do well on fitness tests also do well on
math and English standardized tests.

"For families and schools, these results suggest investments of time
and resources in physical activity and fitness training may not
detract from academic achievement in core subjects, and, may even be
beneficial," the authors conclude.

Journal reference:

1. Chomitz et al. Is There a Relationship Between Physical Fitness
and Academic Achievement? Positive Results From Public School Children
in the Northeastern United States. Journal of School Health, 2009; 79
(1): 30 DOI: 10.1111/j.1746-1561.2008.00371.x

Adapted from materials provided by Wiley-Blackwell.