International Journal of Physical Education, Sports and Health 2020; 7(6): 04-09

P-ISSN: 2394-1685
E-ISSN: 2394-1693
Impact Factor (ISRA): 5.38
The effect of physical activity on academic performance
IJPESH 2020; 7(6): 04-09 and mental health: Systematic review
© 2020 IJPESH
www.kheljournal.com
Received: 02-09-2020
Accepted: 04-10-2020 GetuTeferi
GetuTeferi
Abstract
Debremarkos University,
The relationship among physical activity, academic achievement and mental health has long been
Department of Sports Science,
Debremarkos, Ethiopia
theorized to be of profound importance in understanding human behavior and development. This review
article aims specifically to highlight the state of existing research pertaining to the relationship between
physical activity and the state of mental health. Different studies, summarized here, have found that
healthy levels of physical activity generally correlate with mental health and academic achievement. In
general, this review result has showed that there was a significant relationship between physical fitness
level and academic achievement and higher academic achievement was associated with higher levels of
physical fitness. Physical activity is a relatively cheap and non-harmful lifestyle intervention that can
easily be implemented into school settings.

Keywords: Academic achievement, mental health, physical activity,

Introduction
It is recommended youth participate in at least 60 minutes per day of physical activity that is
developmentally appropriate, enjoyable, and involves a variety of activities [1]. Different
research recommended 60 minutes of physical activity a day can easily be accumulated in
school during physical education class, recess, intramural sports, and before or after-school
extracurricular activities [1]. According to the CDC (2010) insufficient physical activity can
lead to an increase in obesity and other poor health outcomes such as diabetes, hypertension
and stroke, cardiovascular disease, some cancers, depression and anxiety, sleep disorders,
weak muscles and bones, and early death. While research has focused much of its attention on
the overall effects of physical activity on bodily health, growing evidence supports the benefits
of physical activity for brain health [2]. Physical activity has been shown to improve mental
health indicators such as anxiety, depression, and self-concept [1]. improve learning and
cognitive function) [3, 4, 5], and increase academic achievement [6]. Although physical activity is
important for body and brain health, many adolescents are not meeting the recommended
guidelines. Therefore, it is important to explore the perceptions of adolescents to better
understand which factors influence physical activity so an effort can be made to increase the
number of adolescents meeting the physical activity recommendations.
While the consequences of physical activity on health are well-known, the outcomes on
academic achievement are not yet fully understood. It has been shown physical activity has a
positive relationship with academic achievement [7]. Examining the association between
participation in physical activities and academic achievement is important for many reasons.
Understanding the relationship between participation in sport activities, academic achievement
and cognitive development is very important for teachers, school psychologists and other
stakeholders. If student’s participation in sport activities has association with academic
achievement and cognitive development, then student athletes should have be encourage and
supported to continue sports participation rather than viewed as being distracted from their
participation. The current study contributes to the literature by examining the effect of sports
Corresponding Author: participation on academic achievement, and mental health of students (cognitive
GetuTeferi development).
Debremarkos University,
Department of Sports Science,
Debremarkos, Ethiopia
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International Journal of Physical Education, Sports and Health http://www.kheljournal.com

Objectives of the study Oxygen circulation: The brain needs a continuous supply of
 To examine the association physical activities and oxygen and glucose as its source of fuel. While glucose
academic achievement comes from foods eaten, the oxygen supply comes from
 To investigate the effect of physical activity on mental physical activity. As individuals perform physical activity,
health this increases the number of capillaries in the brain which
allows for the transport of oxygen in the blood. The amount of
Methods oxygen in the blood has an impact on the cognitive abilities of
The review of related literature search strategy were used the an individual. The more oxygen available to the brain, the
terms in relation with physical activity and academic better a student will perform cognitive tasks [11]. States
performance, mental health, mental development, “armed with the knowledge that movement is connected to
psychological health, cognitive development, depression, cognitive learning, teachers and administrators need to
anxiety, non-communicable diseases and etc. A search was encourage more movement in all classrooms at all grade
conducted in the following bibliographic databases: online levels”. As a result, it would be ideal for teachers to
research databases, web of knowledge, and science direct, incorporate physical activity into every lesson in order to
sport discus, Google scholar, Scopus, Web science, Science oxygenate the brain and facilitate attentiveness in students.
PG, Science Education, the references of all saved articles and
organizations were reviewed for relevant citations. Production of neurotransmitters and neurotrophins:
Along with oxygenating the brain, found intense physical
Screening of Articles for Eligibility exercise improves cognitive function by increasing levels of
Based on titles and abstracts, reference the articles were neurotransmitters and neurotrophins responsible for relating
screened for eligibility, i.e. included publications regarding mood and short-and long-term learning success. The research
physical activity and mental health and academic shows “exercise accelerates learning and improves long-term
performance. All included articles were read intimately and retention of learned material”. While the neurotransmitters are
significant information was extracted. From the selected involved in emotion, learning, and memory, brainderived
publications, organizations and articles the following data neurotrophic factor is involved in the survival and growth of
such as year of study, characteristic of analysis, evaluation neurons.
and results/findings/conclusions were extracted. The Researchers have found that as exercise increases, BDNF
electronic databases and the manual search of reference lists levels increase in an area in the brain called the hippocampus,
identified 135 articles. On the basis of title and abstract, we which is related to memory and learning. This BDNF
excluded 68 studies that did not meet inclusion criteria. All molecule has a direct impact on cognitive function,
information was obtained directly from the articles. neurogenesis, and plasticity [12, 13] showed how exercise
produces BDNF and how this molecule has a direct impact on
Effects of Physical Activity on Adolescent Health cognitive function. This study gave researchers the evidence
According to the U.S Department of Health and Human they needed to support the notion that exercise improves
Services, [8], physical activity in children and adolescents learning, mental performance, and long-term memory
reduces the likelihood that as adults these individuals will retention [2]. describes BDNF as “miracle grow for the brain”
develop chronic diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, (p.40). He discusses the importance of this molecule for
type- 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis. Regular physical activity regulating neurotransmitters such as serotonin involved in
in children and adolescents has been shown to improve mood regulation, for encouraging new growth of neurons in a
cardio-respiratory fitness, strengthen muscles, support bone process called neurogenesis, and for enhancing,
growth, promote healthy body weight, build self-esteem, and strengthening, and protecting connections between neurons
reduce anxiety and stress (USDHHS). Several studies also known as plasticity. BDNF for the brain is like water for the
discuss the impact of physical activity on academic body, essential. They both require much praise, because
achievement. One particular study states “children who are without them the body and brain would die.
more physically active are more likely to achieve better
academically” [9]. Based on these findings, it should be the Neurogenesis: One of the most profound advances in
role of society to provide many opportunities for children and neuroscience and education is neurogenesis, or growth of new
adolescents to incorporate physical activity into their daily life neurons [14]. While it was once believed neurons could not be
and thereby help lay the foundation for a life-long, healthy replaced once they died, new research is showing how
lifestyle. exercise has the ability to promote the birth of new brain cells.
This process of neurogenesis occurs in the hippocampus.
Effects of Physical Activity on Adolescent Brain Health According to [14], exercise stimulates the growth of new brain
While it is known physical activity is important for improving cells in a process called neurogenesis. This study showed
cardiovascular health, emerging research focuses on the “physical activity can regulate hippocampal neurogenesis,
benefits of exercise on brain health [4]. Discussed how synaptic plasticity, and learning”. Neurogenesis has become
exercise may be the most simple and significant method for monumental in neuroscience because it refutes the old theory
improving the aspects of children‟s mental performance that dead brain cells can never be replaced. It was not until [12]
central to cognitive development. Four important points on that the connection was made suggesting exercise results in
how exercise impacts the brain and improves cognitive the production of BDNF which elevates the production of
processes involved in learning and memory are: (a) enhancing new neurons (neurogenesis), thereby enhancing learning.
circulation so individual neurons can get more oxygen and
nutrients, (b) stimulating the production of the mood
Plasticity: A final outcome of exercise on improved learning
enhancing neurotransmitters and nerve growth factors such as
brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), (c) creating new is through a process called plasticity. Everything individuals
brain cells in a process called neurogenesis, and (d) improving do, think, and feel, is regulated by how the brain cells are
plasticity [10]. connected to one another [2]. It is through the repetitive firing
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International Journal of Physical Education, Sports and Health http://www.kheljournal.com

of these neurons that connections are strengthened which to retain their learning by being active. Another crucial
plays a role in how learning occurs [12]. point out that exercise element being considered by researchers and part of the
is a simple way to support and maintain brain plasticity by theoretical framework of the study was the association
inducing BDNF and neurogenesis in the hippocampus. between physical fitness levels and academic achievement.
Obesity and overweight rates among all groups in society, Students are being asked to increase their academic
regardless of age, sex, race, socioeconomic status, educational performance in the classroom and teachers are seeking ways
level, or geographic region have noticeably increased within to help them achieve as well.
the last twenty years [15]. Obesity and overweight are not just a With information being obtained about the poor physical
personal matter; it is also public health epidemics that affects fitness levels of many students there is ample reasons for
education achievement outcomes, economic productivity, concern on the part of educators about this growing epidemic
state budgets and in turn affect students’ academic in our world. The prevalence of obesity in today’s children is
achievement [16, 17]. In addition to disease prevention, studies detrimental to the student’s health and is purported to have a
suggest that physical activity directly benefits cognition and negative impact on student learning and achievement.
academic achievement. In one study, in which children jogged Research has shown that physical movement and physical
for thirty minutestwo to four times per week, researchers activity assists children in learning more effectively [38].
measured an increase in activity in the prefrontal cortex, revealed concern about epidemiological findings that
suggesting greater cognitive function. However, the cognitive indicated that children are less active and more obese than
gains were only sustained while children maintained the ever before despite initiatives to combat this. According to
jogging regimen [18, 19]. If an individual follows a physically brain research by [39], a child’s earliest learning is based on
active lifestyle, it has been found to be an effective way of motor development. He found that there is a connection
improving fitness and overall health [20]. In other way, the between the cerebellum (motor control part of brain) and such
absence of a physically active life-style can adversely affect cognitive functions as memory, spatial orientation, attention,
fitness and properly-being, increasing the risk of somatic language, and decision making. In addition, Jenson has
health problems such as cardiovascular diseases, further confirmed that most of the brain is activated during
hypertension, diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, and some types physical activity and that sitting for more than ten minutes at
of cancer [21]. In addition, regular PA is known to have a a time results in reduced concentration [10], further showed
positive impact on mental health [22]. A number of meta- that exercise is highly correlated with neurogenesis, the
analyses of intervention studies of the effect of exercise production of brain cells that is correlated with improved
training have revealed that exercise may have a significant learning and memory. Students cannot sit still for long periods
moderate to high anti-depressive effect [23-25]. In other way if of time before the flow of blood and oxygen to their brain
students have poor physical fitness different problems are slows down considerably which inhibits the learning process
[40]
appearing in addition to academic achievement problems such . According to [41] showed that time spent being physically
as sleep apnea, which has been linked to problems with active did not detract from education achievement and in
learning and memory, liver problems, orthopedic problems some instances were associated with improved scholastic
and asthma. If there is Sleep apnea problem in children, it can performance. The study of [42] also found a positive
to impair a child’s ability to concentrate and stay alert during association of physical activity with academic achievement.
the day, which could have a negative impact on academic In general, different findings have showed that there was a
performance [26] also reported, based on their study results, significant relationship between physical fitness level and
being physically fit reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, academic achievement and higher achievement was
colon cancer, diabetes, dying prematurely, and obesity. associated with higher levels of physical fitness. Those
Increased physical activity levels and fitness can improve studies also found that children who are more physically fit
bone and musculoskeletal function and help alleviate or tend to perform better in the classroom and have better school
relieve depression, anxiety and stress (mental health) [26]. attendance and fewer discipline problems. Here, given more
Generally the previous research findings from large-scale time for physical education did not hurt academic
observational studies indicate that participation in physical performance and that students tended to perform better in the
activity has a small to moderate effect in prevention and classroom [43, 51].
management of the risk of depression and anxiety which in Studies on children: the association of physical activity and
turn have effect on academic achievement and mental health fitness with cognitive function are relatively few in number
[27, 63]
. but generally show a positive association between physical
activity and cognitive function of students [52]. revealed that
The Association between Physical activity and Academic involving in regular exercise and on more aerobic fitness are
achievement related to greater brain volume, improved neurophysiological
Different scholars suggest that there is a positive correlation responses to stimuli as measured by EEG
between physical fitness levels and academic achievement (electroencephalography), and better levels of growth factors
levels of students. As schools explore all avenues to improve that promote growth of brain tissue, neurogenesis, and
student academic success, researchers believe that angiogenesis [53]. alsosuggested from their finding that
participation in different physical activity have positive physical fitness levels of students were strongly and
impact on students’ academic achievement, so every significantly related to academic achievement regardless of
stakeholder should understand it. According to [28, 29] studies other socio-demographic and physical fitness variables and
suggested that students participating in 5 hours of vigorous seems to high in late middle to early high school. They
physical activity a week had stronger academic performances recommended that policymakers should consider physical
in math, English, and science than do students who participate education subject in middle and high schools and that
in just 2 hours of fitness activity every week. She also argued physical education allotted times should be increased with an
that sport skills teach students about prepositions, adverbs, emphasis on more cardiovascular fitness [54, 47, 54]. also
and communication skills and those students are more likely conclude that from their study aerobic fitness was a
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significant predictor of academic performance. appearing in addition to academic achievement problems such
According to [39] finding on brain research shows a positive as sleep apnea, which has been linked to impair a child’s
and significant correlation between physical activity levels ability to concentrate and stay alert during the day, which
and cognitive (brain) development [41]. Alsoindicated that time could have a negative impact on academic
allotted to being physically active did not reduceacademic performance.Increased physical activity levels can improve
achievement of students and in most cases, was shown to be bone and musculoskeletal function and help alleviate or
more beneficial [55]. reported that student’s regular relieve depression, anxiety and stress (mental health).
participation in different sports activities showed improved Generally, this review article have shown participation in
attributes such as increased brain function and nourishment, physical activity has a small to moderate effect in prevention
higher energy/concentration levels, changes in body build and management of the risk of depression and anxiety which
affecting self-esteem, increased self-esteem and better in turn have effect on academic achievement and mental
behavior which may all support cognitive function [56, 57]. also health
indicated that consistent physical activity led to increased
cerebral blood flow, changes in hormone levels, enhanced Recommendations
nutrient intake and greater arousal in brain functioning.  The future generations not enjoying a better quality of
Additionally [58], found that specific regions of the basal life or shorter life expectancy than their parents are a
ganglia of the brain, which support cognitive control, are frightening outlook. Steps are should be taken by
enlarged in physically fit children. Furthermore, physically fit government and concerned body to fight this problem.
children displayed superior performance in behavioral  In addition, the decreased levels of cognitive functions
activities that required complicated skillsand control. Another will have a negative impact on the people’s productivity
studies by [58, 59] revealedthat physically fit children performed and creativity. Parents and educators must work together
better on associational memory tasks and also found that to prevent students from overweight and/or obese and
physically fit children displayed faster cognitive processing from non-communicable diseases.
speed that indicated that these children had greater attentional  If the matter is ignored, future generations can paythe
ability and faster processing of the stimulus being presented. worth. Policy makers should give longer for education to
[60]Completed a study that demonstrated that children who form students more active and each stakeholder should
were physically active showed improvement on fluid use increased participation in sports activities as a
intelligence tests (measures ability to reason quickly and to technique to enhance students’ academic performance
think critically). Different findings showed clearly, movement and psychological state.
and physical activity can positively affect theoverall
development of a child. Conflict of interest: The author does not have any possible
The study looked at the relationship from both a behavioral conflicts of interest.
and neuroelectric perspective, which is the subject’s ability to
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