Physical activity is considered a promising behavior to improve cognitive function and academic performance in adolescents. As evidence on the relationship of specific sports activity is not conclusive, this study aimed to determine the longitudinal relationships of different sports to academic performance in adolescents and evaluate the cardiorespiratory fitness mediation effect of these sports. We focused on the demands of complex motor skills and the differences between individual sports vs team sports. Four hundred and sixty-three 7th-grade students (227 girls and 236 boys) were followed up over 2 years. Data regarding participation in sports activities, types of sports activities, academic performance, and cardiorespiratory fitness were obtained at baseline and after a 2-year follow-up. Structural equation modeling revealed that participation in all sports activity was positively associated with improvement of academic performance from baseline to follow-up, and that these associations were mediated by cardiorespiratory fitness gains. Participation in sports activities that require more complex motor skills and individual sports activity was directly associated with an improvement of academic performance from baseline to follow-up. Furthermore, quitting sports activities was negatively associated with academic performance via a reversal in cardiorespiratory fitness gains. These findings indicate that participation in specific sports may have significant
The relationship between physical activity and academic performance in adolescents has been a subject of growing interest in recent years. Physical activity is seen as a promising behavior that can enhance cognitive function and academic achievement. While the evidence supporting this link is compelling, the specifics regarding the type of sports activity, the demands of complex motor skills, and the distinction between individual and team sports have not been conclusively understood. This study aims to shed light on the longitudinal relationships between different sports and academic performance in adolescents, with a focus on the role of cardiorespiratory fitness as a mediator.
The study tracked 463 7th-grade students over a 2-year period, collecting data on their participation in sports activities, the types of sports they engaged in, their academic performance, and cardiorespiratory fitness at both baseline and the follow-up. Structural equation modeling was employed to examine the relationships between sports participation, academic performance, and cardiorespiratory fitness.
Positive Association Between Sports Participation and Academic Performance: The study found a positive association between participation in sports activities and improvements in academic performance over the 2-year period. This suggests that engagement in sports can have a beneficial impact on cognitive abilities and scholastic achievement.
Mediation Effect of Cardiorespiratory Fitness: The positive associations between sports participation and academic performance were partially mediated by gains in cardiorespiratory fitness. This underscores the importance of physical fitness in the relationship between sports and cognitive development.
Complex Motor Skills and Individual Sports: Participation in sports activities that required more complex motor skills and individual sports were directly associated with an improvement in academic performance. This suggests that the demands of certain sports may offer unique cognitive benefits.
Negative Impact of Quitting Sports: The study also revealed that discontinuing sports activities was negatively associated with academic performance. This negative impact was mediated by a reversal in cardiorespiratory fitness gains, highlighting the importance of sustained engagement in sports.
The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the relationship between sports participation and academic performance in adolescents. It underscores the positive impact of engagement in sports activities on cognitive development and academic achievement over a 2-year period. Moreover, the study highlights the mediating role of cardiorespiratory fitness in this relationship, emphasizing the significance of physical fitness in the context of academic performance.
The study’s focus on the demands of complex motor skills and the distinction between individual and team sports adds nuance to our understanding of how specific sports activities may influence cognitive development.
In summary, this research contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the benefits of physical activity, particularly sports engagement, on the academic performance of adolescents. It underscores the importance of promoting a healthy and active lifestyle to support not only physical well-being but also cognitive development in this age group.
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