Aerobic fitness and academic achievement: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Level 3 - non-randomized controlled study
Systematic review and meta-analysis of predominantly cross-sectional observational studies
PubMed 32005082 · doi:10.1080/02640414.2020.1720496
What was done
A systematic review and meta-analysis searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database, and Web of Science for studies evaluating the link between aerobic fitness and academic achievement in children and adolescents. The review included 48 studies (41 cross-sectional and 7 longitudinal). Pooled effect sizes (ES) were calculated for language/reading skills, mathematics-related skills, and composite scores. Subgroup analyses and meta-regressions were conducted by aerobic fitness test type, demographic characteristics, and body mass index.
What was found
Aerobic fitness was positively associated with all evaluated academic domains: - Language/reading skills: ES = 0.23 (95% CI: 0.12 to 0.34) - Mathematics-related skills: ES = 0.27 (95% CI: 0.19 to 0.36) - Composite scores: ES = 0.28 (95% CI: 0.12 to 0.45) Associations were modified by the specific fitness test used, were stronger in boys than in girls, and were stronger in children than in adolescents. Meta-regressions demonstrated a slight modifying effect of body mass index on the associations.
Why it matters
This meta-analysis provides consolidated evidence of a consistent, modest positive link between cardiorespiratory fitness and school performance across major academic subjects in youth.
Limits
The vast majority of included studies (41/48) were cross-sectional, precluding causal inference. The abstract does not report the total participant count, specific fitness testing protocols, or the extent to which primary studies controlled for major confounders such as socioeconomic status or school quality.
Cited by
- supports Higher cardiorespiratory fitness in elementary school children is associated with better academic test performance and better playground behavior.