Will physical activity increase academic performance?

Abstract

The purpose of this synthesis project is to collectively assess and analyze the critical mass of research articles to determine if physical activity can increase academic performance. The studies that met the inclusion criteria of examining the effects of physical activity on academic performance were included in this project. The articles were analyzed by using a synthesis grid, which helped to organize and examine the methods, results and discussions. Themes, such as effects on executive functioning, effects on academic core subjects and weekly hours, were accumulated from the articles. Based upon the critical mass; the results indicate that there can be a positive relationship between physical activity and academic performance. From this, discussion points were concluded examining grade level differences, advocating for physical education, comprehensive school physical activity program, after school sport participation, limitations and recommendations for future research.