Association Between Device-Measured Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity and Academic Performance in Adolescents.

BACKGROUND

Although many studies found a positive association between physical activity (PA) and academic performance (AP), most did not consider important variables of school setting and students' self-concept.

AIMS

To analyze the association between moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and AP in adolescents, considering potential confounding variables of school setting and self-concept in adolescents.

METHOD

The final sample was composed of 394 students (186 boys) with a mean age of 11.3 ( = 0.8) years. The school grades were used as an indicator of AP. Measurements of body mass and stature were collected, and the body mass index was calculated and converted into -score values. Maternal education, socioeconomic status, self-concept, and variables of the school setting were self-reported. MVPA and sedentary behavior (SB) were measured through accelerometry (GT3X and GT3X+; ActiGraph, Pensacola, Florida). Multiple linear regression was used for the association analyses, adopting < .05.

RESULTS

MVPA was inversely associated with global AP and mathematics only for girls: β = -.105 (95% CI [-0.205, -0.006]; = .038); β = -.136 (95% CI [-0.261, -0.011]; = .033). After adjusting for the school setting and self-concept, these significant associations disappear.

DISCUSSION

MVPA was inversely associated with global AP and mathematics only for girls regardless of age, score body mass index, maternal education, socioeconomic status, and SB. However, after adjusting for school setting and self-concept, theses association disappear in mathematics and global AP, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The device-measured MVPA was not associated with AP after controlling for important variables (school setting and self-concept).