Physically active children do better at school according to a research review suggesting a positive link between physical activity and academic achievement.
Research released by the Department of Sport and Recreation showed the enhancement of cognitive functioning (information processing); memory; concentration; behaviour; improved mental health and academic achievement, including higher test scores, were benefits of children's physical activity.
Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron said academic success and good health were outcomes most parents and teachers prioritised and strived to attain for their children and students, and the report highlighted the strong positive link between the two.
"'Brain boost: Sport and physical activity enhance children's learning' is the latest addition to a strong and growing body of evidence supporting the theory that children who are more physically active are more likely to achieve better results in the classroom, and furthermore, sport and physical activity could be used as a strategy in the classroom to optimise children's learning," Mr Waldron said.
The review of Australian and international research by The University of Western Australia (UWA) academic Dr Karen Martin showed participation in sport and physical activity not only gave children's bodies a work-out but also their brains.
Dr Martin, from the university's School of Population Health, said the findings should be of great interest to those in sports-related fields, parents and educators.
She said there was evidence of a reduction over the years in children's participation in physical activity and organised community sport, which was particularly evident in Australia, and the results should sound warning bells for anyone who thought it was a bright idea for children to spend more time hitting the books at the expense of physical activity.
"Pressure on schools for academic success has seen physical activity classes such as physical education and sport increasingly vying for time in a crowded curriculum," Dr Martin said.
"The vast majority of research indicates that replacing academic learning sessions with physical activity does not have a detrimental impact on school grades; indeed some intervention research indicates that increased participation in physical activity leads to enhanced learning and better grades."
Numerous studies indicate that children can spend less time in learning and more time being physically active during the school day without affecting academic success or progress.
"This report highlights the educational benefits sport and recreation helps to achieve important social outcomes and builds stronger, healthier, happier and safer communities," the Minister said.
Minister's office - 9213 7200
