BENEFITS OF PHYS. ED.
Healthy Children Learn Better!
"Exercisers perform significantly better on measures of reasoning, working memory, reaction time and vocabulary than non-exercisers." Clarkson-Smith, 1989
Healthy physical activity patterns are essential for students to achieve their full academic potential, full physical and mental growth, and lifelong health and well-being.
Academic Benefits of Physical Education and Physical Activity:
Improves mental focus and concentration levels.
Improves attention spans.
Improves short-term memory.
Helps reduce stress.
Improves creativity.
Improves self-esteem.
Aids in the development of learning strategies.
Aids in the development of decision making.
Aids in the development of problem solving and memory function.
Increases energy levels.
Improves social-emotional development (e.g. cooperation, respect, healthy competition).
Michigan Action for Healthy Kids Coalition, www.ActionForHealthyKids.org
Many teaching methods used in physical education support a student's cognitive development. Physical education encourages students to question, integrate, analyze, communicate and apply cognitive concepts to academic learning and physical activities.
Many studies show a direct link between physical activity and academic achievement as well as nutritional intake and academic performances. Physical activity in adolescents has consistently been related to higher levels of self esteem and lower levels of anxiety and stress - each of which has been associated with better academic performance. Action for Healthy Kids, The Learning Connection, The Value of improving Nutrition and Physical Activity in Our Schools at www.ActionForHealthyKids.org
Recent Studies Show:
Academic achievement improves even when physical education classes reduce the time for academics. A reduction of 240 minutes per week in class time for academics to enable increased physical activity led to consistently higher mathematics scores.1
A recent study has shown a positive correlation between fitness assessments and achievement test results. A comparison of SAT-9 results to the Fitnessgram* results indicated that the physical well-being of students has a direct impact on their ability to achieve academically. Students with the highest fitness scores also had the highest test scores.2 *Fitnessgram is a computerized, health-related fitness assessment for children and youth developed the the Cooper Institute in 1982
Intense physical activity programs have positive effects on academic achievement, including increased concentration, improved mathematics, reading and writing test scores; and reduced disruptive behavior.3
Aerobic conditioning may help to improve memory. Exercise may strengthen particular areas of the brain and oxygen intake during exercise may enhance greater connections between neurons.4
NASPE, Executive Summary, Shape of the Nation 2001
State Study Proves Physically Fit Kids Perform Better Academically. www.cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr02/yr02rel37.asp; Jean Blaydes Madigan, www.actionbasedlearning.com
Shepard, R.J. Curricular physical activity and academic performance. Pediatric Exercise Science 1997;9: 113-126.
Symons, C.W., Cinelli.,B., James, T.C., Groff, P. Bridging Student Health Risks and Academic Achievement through Comprehensive School Health Programs. Journal of School Health 1997; 67(6):220-227.
