I cannot claim to be able to specifically answer your question, partly because I have never heard this theory. That said, I have noticed a clear relationship between physical fitness (activity) and academic achievement in the students that I teach. I have always thought that it must be something to do with the fact that such students seem to have an ability to prioritise different and seemingly unrelated activities, and consequently, that they come to their various tasks with more specific focus.

Pure speculation of course!

Hi,

You can benefit from the two different approaches based on self-regulation research.

1) The simpler argument is that individuals with high self-regulation are found to have better academic performance, and also better health.

2) Another approach within the self-regulation research is based on "embodied cognitions". This approach has found that by flexing physical muscles, people can improve their self-control. Improved self-control, in turn, is related to better academic performance.

Best regards,

Apurva Sanaria

Thank you Dr.

I suggest reviewing some articles on the subject:

Chaddock L, Pontifex MB, Hillman CH, Kramer AF (2011) A review of the relation of aerobic fitness and physical activity to brain structure and function in children. J Int Neuropsychol Soc 17: 975- 985.

Chang YK, Labban JD, Gapin JI, Etnier JL (2012) The effects of acute exercise on cognitive performance: a meta-analysis. Brain Res 1453: 87-101.

Churchill JD, Galvez R, Colcombe S, Swain RA, Kramer AF, et al. (2002) Exercise, experience and the aging brain. Neurobiol Aging 23: 941-955.

Cui Z, Hardy LL, Dibley MJ, Bauman A (2011) Temporal trends and recent correlates in sedentary behaviours in Chinese children. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 8: 93.

Ekeland E, Heian F, Hagen KB (2005) Can exercise improve self esteem in children and young people? A systematic review of randomised controlled trials. Br J Sports Med 39: 792-798.

Erickson KI, Voss MW, Prakash RS, Basak C, Szabo A, et al. (2011) Exercise training increases size of hippocampus and improves memory. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 108: 3017-3022.

Fedewa AL, Ahn S (2011) The effects of physical activity and physical fitness on children's achievement and cognitive outcomes: a meta-analysis. RQES 82: 521-535.

Gomez-Pinilla F, Vaynman S, Ying Z (2008) Brain-derived neurotrophic factor functions as a metabotrophin to mediate the effects of exercise on cognition. Eur J Neurosci 28: 2278-2287.

Hillman CH, Buck SM, Themanson JR, Pontifex MB, Castelli DM (2009) Aerobic fitness and cognitive development: Event-related brain potential and task performance indices of executive control in preadolescent children. Dev Psychol 45: 114-129.

Hillman CH, Erickson KI, Kramer AF (2008) Be smart, exercise your heart: exercise effects on brain and cognition. Nat Rev Neurosci 9: 58-65.

Hillman CH, Kamijo K, Scudder M (2011) A review of chronic and acute physical activity participation on neuroelectric measures of brain health and cognition during childhood. Prev Med 52: S21-28.

Thanks so much Prof. Rolando.

Thank you so much Prof. Rolando,

The reference list is quite helpful for the research, As I have been doing QUALITATIVE research on the same topic. I had been reading a lot of literature as well.

But, I am not getting any clue on the THEORY related to the topic to infuse in my research. @Syed Ali

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Research shows a strong relationship between physical fitness and academic achievement, as physical activity positively impacts students' cognitive abilities and mental performance. Exercise improves blood flow to the brain, enhancing concentration, attention, and problem-solving skills. Additionally, physical activity helps reduce stress and anxiety, creating a mental state more conducive to learning.

Physiologically, physical fitness contributes to better cardiovascular health, which increases the brain’s ability to function efficiently. Regular exercise also stimulates the release of chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin, which play a role in improving mood and motivation, ultimately reflecting positively on academic performance.

Moreover, studies indicate that students who participate in sports activities tend to develop time management and self-discipline skills, which are crucial for academic success. Engaging in sports also boosts self-confidence and fosters a healthy competitive spirit, driving students to perform better in their studies.

Therefore, physical fitness can be considered a key factor in enhancing academic performance. Schools should encourage integrating physical activity into students' daily schedules, whether through physical education classes or other movement-based activities.