There’s good news out this week for youth who play sports. A new systematic review published in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine has shown a positive relationship between physical activity and improved academic performance.
Researchers at the EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research in the Netherlands reviewed 14 studies primarily focused on physical education and school sports, but only two met their standards for high-quality scientific research.
The studies, which included children ages 6 to 18, found children who participated in regular physical activity performed better in the classroom. Researchers say that may be because physical activity enhances brain function and thinking skills by increasing blood and oxygen flow to the brain, as well as triggering the release of feel-good hormones like endorphins.
“Besides these suggested physiological effects, regular participation in sports activities may improve children’s behavior in the classroom, increasing the odds of better concentration on the academic content of these lessons,” the review explains.
The paper also notes more evidence is needed to effectively explain the link between physical activity helps kids perform better in school.
In the meantime, the researchers say schools should expand opportunities for kids to be active during and after the school day.
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