Aerobic Exercise & Academic Achievement

A new study published in the Journal of Pediatrics shows a strong link between aerobic fitness and math and reading scores. In conjunction with Lincoln Public Schools in Nebraska, Creighton researchers analyzed the scores on an aerobic fitness test called the "Pacer" and looked for correlations with math and reading scores. They discovered that kids who scored highest on the Pacer test were over 2x more likely to pass their tests than aerobically-unfit children. Along with aerobic fitness, the other significant factor found in determining test scores was socioeconomic status. Head researcher Dr. Robert Rauner's concluding statement was, "Schools sacrificing physical education and physical activity time in search of more seat time for math and reading instruction could potentially be pursuing a counterproductive approach.”

In PE class, we often talk about the powerful effects exercise has on the brain. More and more, research is telling us to increase physical education and activity time in lives of children. I would encourage all classroom teachers to allow students to move whenever there is an appropriate opportunity.


Reference:
Evidence that Aerobic Fitness Is More Salient than Weight Status in Predicting Standardized Math and Reading Outcomes in Fourth- through Eighth-Grade Students,” by Robert R. Rauner, MD, MPH, Ryan W. Walters, MS, Marybell Avery, PhD, and Teresa J. Wanser, MA, appears in The Journal of Pediatrics (www.jpeds.com), DOI 10.1016/j.jpeds.2013.01.006, published by Elsevier.