Physical Activity Benefits Academic Achievement in Children

There is growing evidence of a positive effect of physical activity on enhancing a child's cognitive functioning and academic achievement. To assess the evidence to date, researchers performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of data from 26 studies describing 26 unique interventions involving over 10,000 children aged 4 to 13 years. Intervention aims included: (1) increasing and/or enriching physical education, (2) integrating physical activity into the school day curriculum, and (3) enhancing physical activity at recess, lunch time, and with after-school sports programs. The interventions increased physical activity by 10 to 60 minutes per day.

Although there was considerable heterogeneity between the 26 studies, pooled data showed si…