Fitness,physical activity and academic achievement in overweight/obese children

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to examine the associations of fitness and physical activity with academic achievement in children with overweight/obesity. A total of 106 (10.0 ± 1.1y, 61 boys) children participated. The fitness components were assessed by field and laboratory-based tests. Physical activity was measured via accelerometry. The academic achievement was assessed by a standardised test and school-grades. Field-based cardiorespiratory fitness was associated with language skills (ß-standardised- ranging from 0.281 to 0.365, p < 0.01). The field-based muscular strength was associated with grade point average, natural and social sciences, and foreign language (ß = 0.280–0.326, all p ≤ 0.01). Speed-agility was associated with some language-related skills (ß = 0.325–0.393, all p ≤ 0.01). The laboratory-based muscular strength also showed an association with mathematics skills (ß = 0.251–0.306, all p ≤ 0.01). Physical activity did not show significant association with academic achievement (p > 0.01). Overall, the significant associations observed for muscular strength and speed/agility were attenuated and disappeared in many cases after additional adjustments for body mass index and cardiorespiratory fitness, indicating that these associations are inter-dependent. Our study contributes by indicating that other fitness components apart from cardiorespiratory fitness, such as muscular strength and speed-agility, are positively associated with academic achievement. However, these associations appear to be dependent on body mass index and cardiorespiratory fitness.     

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

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.     

Cross-sectional and longitudinal relationship between physical fitness and academic achievement in Japanese adolescents

Abstract

Although cross-sectional studies regarding the relationship between physical fitness and academic achievement among Japanese children have been previously reported, no longitudinal study has yet been reported for Japanese children. The purpose of this study was to examine the cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships between physical fitness and academic achievement among Japanese adolescents. This cohort study included 1,189 seventh- and ninth-grade students from two schools. The follow-up period was 2 years. A physical fitness test involving eight test items (hand grip, sit-ups, sit and reach, side-to-side jump, 20-m shuttle run, 50-m dash, standing broad jump and handball throwing) was conducted to evaluate the fitness of the participants. Academic achievement in Japanese, mathematics and a foreign language (English) was assessed at baseline and follow-up using cumulative guidance records. Participants were classified into low–low, high–low, low–high, and high–high groups based on physical fitness test results at baseline and follow-up. Compared with the groups showing low fitness levels, those showing high fitness levels for all items of the physical fitness test expect handball throwing had increased odds of showing high academic achievement levels in all three subjects at baseline and/or follow-up compared with the low-fitness groups. Sit-ups and 20-m shuttle run in the high–high and low–high groups were related to higher academic achievement levels at follow-up compared with those in the low–low group for both boys and girls. Therefore, this study suggests that various physical fitness outcomes are positively associated with high academic achievement levels for Japanese children.     

Physical fitness and academic achievement in third- and fifth-grade students

The relationship between physical fitness and academic achievement has received much attention owing to the increasing prevalence of children who are overweight and unfit, as well as the inescapable pressure on schools to produce students who meet academic standards. This study examined 259 public school students in third and fifth grades and found that field tests of physical fitness were positively related to academic achievement. Specifically, aerobic capacity was positively associated with achievement, whereas BMI was inversely related. Associations were demonstrated in total academic achievement, mathematics achievement, and reading achievement, thus suggesting that aspects of physical fitness may be globally related to academic performance in preadolescents. The findings are discussed with regards to maximizing school performance and the implications for educational policies.     

ActivPAL™ determined sedentary behaviour,physical activity and academic achievement in college students

The aim of this study was to examine relationships between activPAL?-determined sedentary behavior (SB) and physical activity (PA) with academic achievement. A total of 120 undergraduates (N = 57 female; 20.6 ± 2.3 years) participated in the study. Academic achievement was measured as the grade point average obtained from all completed courses. Participants wore on the right tight an activPAL? for 7 days to determine total sedentary time, total number of sedentary breaks, sedentary bouts, standing time, light and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Separate multiple linear regression models were performed to examine associations between SB variables and academic achievement. Light PA, MVPA, total sedentary time, total standing time, or total number of sedentary breaks were not related to academic achievement. Independently of PA, the amount of time spent in sedentary bouts of 10-20min during weekdays was positively related to academic achievement. Given that college students spend the majority of their workday in environments that encourage prolonged sitting, these data suggest that interruptions in prolonged periods of sitting time every 10-20min via short breaks may optimize cognitive operations associated with academic performance.     

儿童青少年体质健康与学业成绩的关系:有中介的调节模型

目的: 探讨我国儿童青少年体质健康水平与学业成绩之间关系的影响机制;以执行功能为中介变量,年龄为调节变量建立一个有中介的调节模型。方法: 对湖北地区1 970名学生进行体质健康水平测试,并采用问卷法对执行功能水平测试,以语文、数学、英语三门学科成绩的标准分作为学业成绩指标。使用AMOS21.0以及SPSS22.0对数据进行分析。结果: 体质健康水平指标中的有氧耐力、速度、肌肉力量以及柔韧性均与各科学业成绩存在显著正相关;执行功能作为中介变量存在于体质健康水平与学业成绩的关系中,模型拟合程度良好(χ²/df为4.246,NFI为0.98,CFI为0.98,RMSEA为0.041)。此外,该模型还受到年龄的调节作用,与其他因素一起构成了有中介的调节模型。结论: (1)儿童青少年的体质健康水平与其学业成绩间呈正相关,可以对其作出正向预测;(2)执行功能在体质健康水平与学业成绩间起到部分中介作用;(3)年龄在体质健康水平、执行功能、学业成绩的关系间起调节作用。     

Children and Fitness: A Public Health Perspective

Abstract

The promotion of cardiorespiratory fitness through increased physical activity has become a national public health objective for both adults and children. Based on numerous small-scale studies it appears that children are highly fit but the population distribution is unknown due to the lack of rigorous population studies. Very little is known about the extent of children's physical activity; the available evidence does not support the hypothesis that children obtain sufficient activity to explain their generally high levels of fitness. Due to the lack of evidence of substantial carry-over effects of youth fitness to adult health and the likelihood of children's resistance to vigorous fitness routines, there is little reason to recommend an aerobic training focus in physical education. A focus on enjoyable moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) with carry-over value to adulthood is recommended. Physical education is an important vehicle for promoting physical activity by children; it appears, however, that children may obtain little MVPA during physical education class.     

Index for Volume 59 (1988)

Abstract

Numerous epidemiological investigations have shown that low physical fitness and low physical activity are related to the incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD). Most studies, however, have not examined both variables concurrently to determine which has the strongest association with CAD risk. The purpose of the investigation was to cross-sectionally examine the relationships among physical fitness, physical activity, and risk factors for CAD. Male law enforcement officers (N = 412) from the City of Austin, Texas, were subjects for this study. Physical fitness, physical activity, and risk factors for CAD were assessed through health screenings and from data collected as part of an annual physical fitness assessment. Multivariate analysis of covariance revealed that physical fitness, but not physical activity, was related to several single CAD risk factors. Percent body fat, smoking habits, and Type A behavior score were negatively related to physical fitness level, and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was positively related to physical fitness level. Univariate analysis of variance found both physical fitness and physical activity to be significantly related to a composite CAD risk score. Low physical fitness and low physical activity were associated with a high CAD risk score. These data suggest that physical activity must be sufficient to influence physical fitness before statistically significant risk-reducing benefits on single CAD risk factors are obtained, although minimal engagement in weekly vigorous activity provides a significant benefit for the composite CAD risk score. It is plausible, however, that physical fitness is a stronger measure than physical activity and optimally characterizes the relationship among physical activity and CAD risk factors.     

Influence of physical fitness on cognitive and academic performance in adolescents: A systematic review from 2005–2015

Background: The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the association of different components of physical fitness on cognitive performance (CP) and academic performance (AP) in adolescents, taking into account potential confounders. Method: Studies were identified in four databases (Pubmed, SportDiscus, Web of Science, and ProQuest) from January 2005 through to January 2015. A total of 21 articles met the inclusion criteria. Results: 8 studies showed association between physical fitness and CP, and 11 studies with AP. Cardiorespiratory fitness, speed-agility, motor coordination, and perceptual-motor skill are the highest measures associated with CP and AP. However, the findings on strength and flexibility are unclear. Finally, 62% of the 21 studies used confounders. The most controlled confounder were socioeconomic status, fatness, pubertal status, sex, and age. Conclusion: Fitness is associated with higher CP and AP. More research is needed in order to understand the causes of the differential effect of physical fitness components on CP and AP.     

Effects of aerobic and cognitively-engaging physical activity on academic skills: A cluster randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT

This cluster randomized controlled trial (trial-number #) compares effects of two school-based physical activity interventions (aerobic vs. cognitively-engaging) on reading, mathematics, and spelling achievement; and whether effects are influenced by volume of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and baseline achievement. Twenty-two primary schools participated, where a third and fourth grade class were randomly assigned to the intervention or control group. Intervention groups were randomly assigned to a 14-week aerobic or cognitively-engaging intervention, receiving four physical education lessons a week. Control groups followed their regular physical education program. Academic achievement of 891 children (mean age 9.17 years, 49.4% boys) was assessed with standardized tests before and after the interventions. Post-Test academic achievement did not significantly differ between intervention groups and control group. A higher volume of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity resulted in better post-test mathematics achievement in both intervention groups, and post-test spelling achievement in the cognitively engaging intervention group. Compared to the control group, lower achievers in reading performed better in reading after the cognitively-engaging intervention. A combination of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and cognitively-engaging exercises seems to have the most beneficial effects. Future intervention studies should take into account quantitative and qualitative aspects of physical activity, and children’s baseline academic achievement.     

The expectancy-value theory: A meta-analysis of its application in physical education

BackgroundThe purpose of motivating students is to enhance their learning achievement. The expectancy-value theory (EVT) has demonstrated its efficacy in motivating students in classrooms and in gymnasia. Understanding student motivation in physical education is needed. This meta-analysis review aimed to reveal the determinants and functions of EVT by evaluating the evidence in physical education research.MethodsWe followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to identify and meta-analyze the current research literature published from January 2010 to December 2020 by generating and analyzing the effect sizes from the studies.ResultsA total of 31 studies were included. The results show that social support, motivation of teachers and peers, and positive class climate can predict student EVT motivation. EVT motivation predicts student learning behaviors, situational interests, fitness performance, health behavior function, out-of-school physical activity, and physical skill development.ConclusionEVT motivation could facilitate learning behaviors and situational interest development in the gymnasium. It might lead to fitness enhancement, health behavior change, out-of-school physical activity participation, and physical skill development. Fostering a learning environment with a mastery-centered and/or student autonomy approach where students perceived success and the task values can enhance and maximize student EVT motivation and learning achievement.     

Accelerometer-measured daily physical activity related to aerobic fitness in children and adolescents

Abstract

Maximum oxygen uptake ([Vdot]O_2PEAK) is generally considered to be the best single marker for aerobic fitness. While a positive relationship between daily physical activity and aerobic fitness has been established in adults, the relationship appears less clear in children and adolescents. The purpose of this paper is to summarise recently published data on the relationship between daily physical activity, as measured by accelerometers, and [Vdot]O_2PEAK in children and adolescents. A PubMed search was performed on 29 October 2010 to identify relevant articles. Studies were considered relevant if they included measurement of daily physical activity by accelerometry and related to a [Vdot]O_2PEAK either measured directly at a maximal exercise test or estimated from maximal power output. A total of nine studies were identified, with a total number of 6116 children and adolescents investigated. Most studies reported a low-to-moderate relationship (r = 0.10–0.45) between objectively measured daily physical activity and [Vdot]O_2PEAK. No conclusive evidence exists that physical activity of higher intensities are more closely related to [Vdot]O_2PEAK, than lower intensities.     

随班就读对病残大学生身体机能及素质影响的实验研究

探讨随班就读体育教学对病残学生身体形态、机能及素质的影响为目的。将基本情况相当的湖南理工学院06级病残学生39名,男21人,女18人,随机分为二组（A组、B组）,A组免修体育课,B组同学分散随各自所在自然体育教学班上课。经一学年的教学实验,结果显示：A组的身体机能和素质几乎没变,有的不同幅度下降,B组的身体机能和素质不同幅度的变化,具有显著性意义（P〈0.05）或（P〈0．01）。结论：随班就读体育教学对病残学生身体机能及素质产生了积极影响,是病残学生增强体质,提高运动能力的有效教学形式,随班就读是病残学生体育教学值得进一步探索和研究的一种教学模式。     

何为体育之真义——重读《体育之研究》有感

毛泽东早年在《体育之研究》所谈的体育是指通过身体运动,不断增强和完善人类体质的健身教育（Physical Education）,而不是指少数人参加的,以取胜为内涵以追求功利为目的的运动竞技教育（Sports Edu-cation）。运动是以增强人的体质,提高人的健康水平为目的的、讲究实效的健身运动,而不是那种追求“更快、更高、更强”,供人们观赏娱乐的竞技运动和形艺、技艺运动。并明确指出,体育教师的价值与业绩应在全民健身事业建设上去取得。     

Mediating effect of aerobic fitness on the association between physical activity and academic achievement among adolescents: A cross-sectional study in Okinawa,Japan

The purpose of this study was to examine the potential role of aerobic fitness (AF) as a mediator of the association between physical activity (PA) and academic achievement (AA) among Japanese junior high school students. A cross-sectional data was collected from 608 7th grade students enrolled at five public junior high schools in two suburban municipalities in Okinawa, Japan. Self-reported PA was assessed using the Patient-Centred Assessment and Counselling for Exercise plus Nutrition questionnaire. The 20-meter shuttle run test was performed to determine AF. AA was evaluated using the overall grade point average. Family structure, parental education level, and achievement motives were the self-reported covariates. The results of the bootstrapped mediation analysis indicated that PA had a direct effect on AF, which in turn influenced the AA among boys. After adjusting for AF, the association between PA and AA disappeared while the association of AF with AA still remained. However, neither PA nor AF was associated with the AA of girls. Therefore, the hypothesis that AF might mediate the relationship between PA and AA was supported for boys. Promoting AF, as a result of engaging to PA could positively influence AA particularly in boys.     

中国体质研究的进程与发展趋势

结合我国古代医学、现代医学、人类学和生物学等学科的理论,采用专家访谈、文献调研等方法,回顾我国体质学的由来、理论基础和发展历程,并重点论述当前我国体质研究的不足以及对未来体质学发展的思考。研究认为,中国"体质"一词最早来源于《黄帝内经》,"形神合一"是我国古代体质观的精华。随着历史的演变和科学文化的发展,体质的概念也在不断地完善和充实。目前公认的观点是,体质是人体的质量,是在遗传性和获得性的基础上表现出来的人体形态结构、生理功能和心理因素等综合的、相对稳定的特征。开始于20世纪70年代末的"中国青少年儿童身体形态、机能和素质的研究"。成熟于"中国国民体质监测系统"的建立。2000年在我国开展了幼儿(3~6岁)、儿童青少年(7~19岁)、成年(20~59岁)和老年(60~69岁)人群的体质监测工作。标志着体质研究已上升为我国体育科学界最为活跃的研究领域之一。我国的体质研究应该尽快提升体质测量与评价的多样性和多层次化,以便科学和便捷地指导国民进行体育健身。     

The associations among fundamental movement skills,self-reported physical activity and academic performance during junior high school in Finland

The purpose of this study was to analyse the longitudinal associations between (1) fundamental movement skills (FMSs) and academic performance, and (2) self-reported physical activity and academic performance through junior high school in Finland. The participants of the study were 325 Finnish students (162 girls and 163 boys), who were 13 years old at the beginning of the study at Grade 7. Students performed three FMS tests and responded to a self-reported physical activity questionnaire at Grades 7 and 8. Marks in Finnish language, mathematics and history from Grades 7, 8 and 9 were collected. Structural equation modelling with multigroup method demonstrated that in the boys’ group, a correlation (0.17) appeared between FMS and academic performance measured at Grade 7. The results also indicated that FMS collected at Grade 8 were significantly but weakly (path coefficient 0.14) associated with academic performance at Grade 9 for both gender groups. Finally, the results of this study demonstrated that self-reported physical activity was not significantly related to academic performance during junior high school. The findings of this study suggest that mastery of FMS may contribute to better student achievement during junior high school.     

体力活动对老年人认知功能影响的研究述评

随着社会进步,人类的平均寿命日益延长,老龄化问题已经凸显,关注老年人的生活质量是全世界需要面对的共同课题.认知功能作为老年人生活质量的重要预测因子之一,其与体力活动的关系已经成为锻炼心理学的热点研究领域之一.本文综述了体力活动对老年人认知功能影响及其机制的研究.在此基础上,提出该领域的后续研究还应深入探讨以下问题：（1）体力活动对老年人认知功能影响的剂量反应效应;（2）体力活动影响老年人认知功能的生理及心理机制.（3）其他练习形式对老年人认知功能的影响.（4）身体锻炼与其他形式的干预相结合的途径及效益.     

Accelerometer-measured daily physical activity related to aerobic fitness in children and adolescents

Maximum oxygen uptake (VO(2PEAK)) is generally considered to be the best single marker for aerobic fitness. While a positive relationship between daily physical activity and aerobic fitness has been established in adults, the relationship appears less clear in children and adolescents. The purpose of this paper is to summarise recently published data on the relationship between daily physical activity, as measured by accelerometers, and VO(2PEAK) in children and adolescents. A PubMed search was performed on 29 October 2010 to identify relevant articles. Studies were considered relevant if they included measurement of daily physical activity by accelerometry and related to a VO(2PEAK) either measured directly at a maximal exercise test or estimated from maximal power output. A total of nine studies were identified, with a total number of 6116 children and adolescents investigated. Most studies reported a low-to-moderate relationship (r = 0.10-0.45) between objectively measured daily physical activity and VO(2PEAK). No conclusive evidence exists that physical activity of higher intensities are more closely related to VO(2PEAK), than lower intensities.     

为真义体育立业:林笑峰《健身教育论》的理想追索与价值探寻

《健身教育论》是林笑峰晚年的重要著作,其中汇集了林笑峰体育思想的精华。在该书中,林笑峰通过论述健身、健身学、健身课等内容,初步构建了“健身教育论”的理论体系。以《健身教育论》为研究重心,剖析了林笑峰“健身教育论”的理论渊源、思维框架与现实价值。研究认为:(1)“健身教育论”的提出是对“真义体育”观的继承与发展;(2)“健身教育论”的核心观点为:健身与体育互为依存、健身学应成为学校体育的主业、体育教学应以健身教育为本职工作;(3)韩丹对“健身教育论”的质疑展现了他与林笑峰不同的学术追求;(4)“健身教育论”的时代价值体现在以下3个方面:有助于唤起大众对体育功能的反思、为个人健康意识与行为的培养提供指导、为体育与健康教育的深度融合提供方案。