Atividade física, aptidão física e desempenho acadêmico em adolescentes de Curitiba-PR

Abstract

The relationship between physical activity, physical fitness and academic achievement has been a subject of debate lately. Scientific evidence seems to support a positive association between those variables. Even though the number of papers published in the area of study are rising, most of them are from developed countries and it might not show the same outcome for developing countries. The aim of this research is to test the association of physical activity, physical fitness and academic achievement for senior year high school adolescents in a private school in Curitiba-PR. Physical fitness was measured through four tests of FITNESSGRAM®. In order to measure academic achievement, a simulated test was administrated in the school. Final scores of physical activity, physical fitness, socioeconomic status and body mass index were calculated for data analysis. Results suggest a positive correlation between academic achievement and fitness (r= 0,230; p<0,05). Splitting the analysis by sex the positive correlation of fitness and academic achievement has been maintained significant just for girls (r=0,266; p<0,05). In conclusion, physical fitness is positively correlated good academic achievement scores for girls, showing that studying might not be the only variable related to good academic scores. Mainly for girls, higher physical fitness can help a student to get good academic test scores.