Physical Education Department, College of Education, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
Research Unit (UR17JS01) « Sport Performance, Health & Society», Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Ksar-Saîd, University of "La Manouba", Tunis, Tunisia.
PLoS One. 2021 Feb 19;16(2):e0246476. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246476. eCollection 2021.
The aim of this study was to examine the correlation between physiological parameters (namely fatness and physical fitness) with academic performance (namely mathematics and science grade point average [GPA]) in normal weight and overweight schoolchild handball players. Thirty-six young male team handball players (age: 9±1 years; body mass: 45.5±14.2 kg; height: 1.38±9.1 m; body fat: 19.7±5.6%) at the highest national league for their age group participated. Anthropometry was examined by measuring body mass, body fat percentage (%BF), and body mass index (BMI). Fitness testing included the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test (level 1), squat jumps (SJ) and counter-movement jumps (CMJ), and upper-limb throwing performance (2 kg medicine ball seated front throw), a 15 m sprint test, and a T-half test for change-of-direction (COD) ability. Academic performance was evaluated through school records of grade point average (GPA) of mathematics and science. BMI was negatively correlated with science GPA (r = -0.57, p<0.001) and mathematics GPA (r = -0.39, p<0.001). Significant correlations between Yo-Yo test performance and science GPA (r = 0.73, p<0.001) and mathematics GPA (r = 0.66, p<0.001) existed. T-half test score (less time taken meant a superior performance) was negatively correlated with science GPA (r = 0.48, p = 0.003) and mathematics GPA (r = 0.63, p<0.01). In conclusion, fatness and physical fitness (except for the upper-muscular strength) were significantly related to academic performance in in schoolchild handball players. Based on results of this study, it seems pragmatic and appropriate to engage young schoolchild in physical activity as it associates with superior academic performance.
本研究旨在探讨生理参数（即肥胖和身体健康）与正常体重和超重学校手球运动员的学业成绩（即数学和科学平均绩点[GPA]）之间的相关性。36 名年轻的男性手球运动员（年龄：9±1 岁；体重：45.5±14.2kg；身高：1.38±9.1m；体脂：19.7±5.6%）参加了最高年龄组的全国联赛。通过测量体重、体脂百分比（%BF）和体重指数（BMI）来检查人体测量学。体能测试包括 Yo-Yo 间歇性恢复测试（第 1 级）、深蹲跳（SJ）和反向跳（CMJ）、上肢投掷表现（2kg 药球坐姿前抛）、15m 冲刺测试和 T 半向变向能力测试（COD）。学业成绩通过学校记录的数学和科学平均绩点（GPA）来评估。BMI 与科学 GPA（r=-0.57，p<0.001）和数学 GPA（r=-0.39，p<0.001）呈负相关。Yo-Yo 测试表现与科学 GPA（r=0.73，p<0.001）和数学 GPA（r=0.66，p<0.001）之间存在显著相关性。T 半测试成绩（用时越少表示表现越好）与科学 GPA（r=0.48，p=0.003）和数学 GPA（r=0.63，p<0.01）呈负相关。总之，肥胖和身体健康（上肢肌肉力量除外）与在校手球运动员的学业成绩显著相关。基于本研究的结果，让年轻的学生参与体育活动似乎是务实和恰当的，因为它与优异的学业成绩有关。
