A2 Review article, Literature review, Systematic review
Acute effect of physical activity on academic outcomes in school‐aged youth : A systematic review and multivariate meta‐analysis (2024)
Muntaner‐Mas, A., Morales, J. S., Martínez‐de‐Quel, Ó., Lubans, D. R., & García‐Hermoso, A. (2024). Acute effect of physical activity on academic outcomes in school‐aged youth : A systematic review and multivariate meta‐analysis. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports, 34(1), Article e14479. https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.14479
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Muntaner‐Mas, Adrià; Morales, Javier S.; Martínez‐de‐Quel, Óscar; Lubans, David R.; García‐Hermoso, Antonio
Journal or series: Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports
ISSN: 0905-7188
eISSN: 1600-0838
Publication year: 2024
Publication date: 25/08/2023
Volume: 34
Issue number: 1
Article number: e14479
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
Publication country: United Kingdom
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.14479
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/88809
Abstract
There has been an increase in the number of studies examining the effect of acute and chronic physical activity on academic outcomes in children and adolescents in the last two decades. We aimed to systematically determine the acute effects of physical activity on academic outcomes in school-aged youth and to examine possible moderators.
Methods
We conducted a systematic search using PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and PsycINFO databases (from inception to 11th January 2023) for studies assessing the acute effects of physical activity on academic performance-related outcomes in school-aged youth. A univariate and multivariate meta-analysis was conducted based on a random-effects model with restricted maximum likelihood used to pool the academic outcomes results (Hedge's g).
Results
We included 11 articles (803 children and adolescents [range: 6–16 years]) in the systematic review. Overall, acute physical activity increased academic outcomes (Hedge's g = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.20–0.50). Multivariate meta-analyses revealed that physical activity increased academic performance in mathematics (Hedge's g = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.16–0.42) and language (Hedge's g = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.09–0.47). Only behavior change techniques (Hedge's g = 0.54, 95% CI, 0.18–0.90, p < 0.001) played a significant role in this relationship.
Conclusions
A single bout of physical activity can improve academic outcomes in school-aged youth, which may serve as a complementary tool for the educational field. However, the observed heterogeneity in the results indicates that we should interpret the findings obtained with caution.
Keywords: study performance; classroom work; physical activity; physical training; motor learning
Free keywords: academic achievement; active breaks; classroom behavior; motor activity; physically active learning
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
Reporting Year: 2023
JUFO rating: 2
