Fit for School: Links Among Physical Fitness, Executive Functions, and Classroom Performance in Elementary Students

• In Event: Poster Session 2
  In Poster Session: Motivation and Cognition in Varied Contexts

Abstract

Based on theory linking executive functioning (EF) to children’s academic and social performance and research that establishes a positive link between physical fitness and cognitive functioning in adults and children, we examined links among aerobic fitness, EF, academic achievement and classroom behaviour in 165 grade 4-7 students. MANOVA revealed that high and low fit children significantly differed on EF, academic achievement, and classroom behaviour, with high fit children performing more positively in all domains. In hierarchical regressions, EF and aerobic fitness made significant and unique contributions in predicting both academic achievement and classroom behaviour. These findings contribute to elucidating the role of EF in children’s academic and social skills and support recent initiatives to increase physical activity in schools.

Authors

• Lucy J. Le Mare, Simon Fraser University

• Paul W. Neufeld, Simon Fraser University