The Benefits of Physically Active Kids
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SECTION 1: Regular, Vigorous Physical Activity Improves Academics
Physically active students learn faster and retain understanding longer than inactive kids,1 with elementary and middle-school age students receiving the most academic benefit.2 Physically active children simply learn more per hour than inactive kids.1
At the same time, the psychological stress and social stigma of being overweight may be just as damaging as the devastating health effects.3 Low self-esteem often translates into lower grades.4 Overweight children typically perform less well in the classroom, adding to the unbearable stigma of being overweight.3 When children gain weight rapidly they show an increase in behavioral and learning difficulties.5
The benefits in understanding and achievement experienced by active kids provide a strong argument for physical activity being part of every school day.2 Appropriate in-school programs provide this solution.
Source: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, 2003
Physical Activity Impacts Academics Directly
A strong connection exists between the type of physical activity easily provided at schools, and the academic performance of students exposed to specific types of activity.1,2,6,7,8
In-school activity programs improve children's mathematics, reading and writing scores, concentration, and classroom behavior.7 Children's academic performance improves as physical activity increases the production of the natural brain chemicals necessary for nervous system operation and alertness.2 Attention, focus, and comprehension required for learning are all positively affected as children strengthen their concentration skills through participation in physical activity.8,9,10,11
"Measures of Cardio-respiratory endurance, muscular force and power, and physical activity were all related to scholastic ability."12
"Scheduled physical activity did not interfere with children's later academic performance . . . Exercise, in some situations, may lead to improved cognitive performance following periods of vigorous exercise."13
"Physical activity can be introduced [at school] without compromising academic achievement. . . . At the very least, time spent participating in physical activity will not hurt cognitive performance or academic achievement."2
- Stimulates naturally occurring brain chemicals
- Increases overall brain health and ability
- Improves the general functions of the brain
- Improves the cardiovascular system
- Reduces Early Chronic Diseases
- Reduces weight
- Stops obesity
- Increases bone mass
- Reduces bad cholesterol
Math Scores Improve
School physical activity programs increase children's ability to concentrate, resulting in improved math scores.9 Children's understanding of math and language concepts increase through participation in games, and spatial and other math ideas are developed through the ability to function within a defined space.6
The more overweight kindergarten and first grade children are, the lower their math performance.3
Reading Scores Improve
Children who are physically active demonstrate better reading and comprehension skills than those who are less physically active.3 In-school physical activity programs increase concentration in the classroom.7 Reading, writing, and behavior improve as a result.9
Children who participated in a physical activity study showed significant improvement in reading ability over those in the control group. Compared with their previous year scores, children in the exercise group made major gains in national standardized tests in reading, writing, and comprehension. Physical activity also improves children's balance, coordination, and eye movement, which are skills needed for reading, writing, and comprehension.8
