Physical Activity Events for Children: Do the Benefits Justify Time Away from Academics?

Abstract

The purpose of this synthesis project was to research the effect that physical activity events have on children’s academic achievement. A comprehensive literary search was completed to find studies that implemented recess, classroom based physical activity, physical education, extracurricular physical activity or sports into the lives of K-12 students. Fourteen academic research reports, journal articles and scholarly peer reviewed articles between the years of 2000-2016 were chosen for the review of literature. The differences that exist between the forms of physical activity and their impact on academic performance were examined. A strong research base for physical activity improving children’s physical health, cognition as well as behavior was found. Physical activity was also demonstrated to have a positive influence on elementary and secondary students’ academics. Therefore, the benefits outweigh the negatives when it comes to the relationship between children performing physical activity and their academics.