Physical activity, physical fitness, body composition and academic perfomance in children and adolescents

Resumen

Academic performance in youth is an important indicator of adult physical and mental health. An active lifestyle, being physically fit and a healthy body composition during childhood and adolescence may have an influence on academic performance. The overall aim of this PhD Thesis was to analyze the associations of physical activity, physical fitness and body composition with academic performance in children and adolescents. The current PhD Thesis is based on data from the UP&DOWN Study. A total of 2,225 youth (aged 6-18 years) participated in the study. Physical activity was objectively measured by accelerometry. Maternal physical activity was self-reported. Cardiorespiratory fitness was measured using the 20-m shuttle run test. Motor fitness was assessed with the 4×10-m shuttle-run test. A muscular fitness score was computed using handgrip strength and standing long jump. Neonatal body composition was parent-reported. Current body composition was assessed by body mass index, waist circumference and percentage of body fat. Academic performance was assessed through grades reported by schools. The main findings found in the current dissertation suggest that (i) physical activity is associated with cognition, and specifically, objectively measured physical activity is related to academic performance in youth, but the magnitude of this association, albeit negatively significant, was very weak; (ii) maternal physical activity before and during pregnancy is positively associated with youth's academic performance. Continuing maternal physical activity practice during pregnancy is associated with greater benefits for youth's academic performance; (iii) cardiorespiratory and motor fitness, as well as neonatal and current body composition, both independently and combined, are associated with academic performance in youth.