Physically Fit Kids Do Better In School

A new study in the Journal of School Health found that physically fit kids scored better on standardized math and English tests than their less fit peers.

 Researchers examined the relationship between physical fitness and academic achievement "in a racially and economically diverse urban public school district of children enrolled in 4th through 8th grade."

The results showed that the odds of passing both math and english standardized tests dramatically increased as the number of fitness tests that were passed increased, even when controlling for gender, ethnicity and socio-economic status.

 “For families and schools, these results suggest investments of time and resources in physical activity and fitness training may not detract from academic achievement in core subjects, and, may even be beneficial." 

Wiley-Blackwell (2009, January 30). Physically Fit Kids Do Better In School. ScienceDaily. Retrieved September 23, 2010, from http://www.sciencedaily.com  /releases/2009/01/090128113246.htm