Do the duration and frequency of physical education predict academic achievement, self-concept, social skills, food consumption, and body mass index?

Abstract

Objective: Prior research on the efficacy of physical education has been conducted in a piecemeal fashion. More specifically, studies typically test a single benefit hypothesized to be associated with physical education (e.g. body mass index [BMI]) while excluding others (e.g. social skills) and not controlling for important confounds (e.g. diet). Such research designs have precluded a comprehensive evaluation of physical education, and may also help explain mixed findings reported in the literature. The purpose of this study, then, was to re-evaluate the efficacy of participation in physical education through a more robust model that considers BMI, academic achievement, self-concept, and social skills while controlling for poor diet and out-of-school activities (i.e. television viewing, sleep, and general activity levels). Design, Setting, and Method: Structural equation modelling (SEM) was conducted on data derived from a sample of 10,210 fifth graders in the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study. Results: Nationwide, 68% of fifth graders participated in physical education one or two days per week. Physical education was positively associated with academic achievement (effect size = .10), and negatively associated with both low self-concept (effect size = .06) and less healthy food choices (i.e. sugar-sweetened beverages, potatoes, and fast food; effect size = .11). However, participation in physical education was not associated with BMI or teacher-reported social skills. Conclusion: Even at the low 'dosages' reported, physical education is associated with improved mental health, dietary choices, and academic achievement.

Eating Habits and Lifestyles in Schoolchildren from Granada (Spain). A Pilot Study

“…In fact, the findings of the study by Zurita et al [70] developed in schoolchildren, conclude that a low BMI and shorter screen time is related to higher levels of physical activity, being related to a higher quality of life and better adherence to the MD. Finally, the realization of physical-sports practice is directly related to academic and emotional self-concept, since it has been demonstrated that Physical Education is positively associated with academic performance [75,76]. The findings support evidence that physical activity has a positive effect on cognitive development, specifically in the emotional realm [77].…”

Physical Activity, Aerobic Fitness and Academic Achievement

“…Results of cross-sectional studies support a beneficial relationship between PE or schoolbased PA and AA [44][45][46]. Such findings suggest that having more PE classes per week might positively correlate with AA.…”

Youth-Physical Activity Towards Health: evidence and background to the development of the Y-PATH physical activity intervention for adolescents

“…Consistent with recent findings [ 15 , 16 ], the organisation level or school-based physical education (PE) was highly recommended as one of these intervention types [ 14 ]. PE has the opportunity to reach nearly all school-aged children [ 17 ], and has been associated with improved mental health, dietary choices and academic achievement [ 18 ]. For an increasing number of children PE may be the only opportunity they have during the week to engage in MVPA [ 19 ], and as subject area PE is now widely accepted as a public health resource [ 15 ].…”