Relationship between aerobic fitness and academic performance: the mediational role of executive function.
J Sports Med Phys Fitness
; 59(8): 1397-1404, 2019 Aug.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-30722648
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
This cross-sectional study investigated whether the relationship between aerobic fitness and academic performance was mediated by executive functioning.METHODS:
A total of 378 children (9-10 years old) from nine primary schools in Stavanger, Norway were included. The children's aerobic fitness was measured by a 10-minute interval-running test; executive function was tested by four cognitive tests (Stroop, Trail Making, Verbal Fluency and Backwards Digit Span). A composite score for executive functions was computed and used in analyses. Academic achievement in reading, mathematics and English was determined using Norwegian national standardized tests.RESULTS:
Bivariate correlation analysis showed the following significant associations mathematic achievement with executive functions (r=0.48, P=0.001), aerobic fitness with mathematics (r=0.13, P=0.012) and executive functions (r=0.17, P=0.001). A regression-based mediation analysis (PROCESS) with executive function as a mediator variable was conducted. Mediation analysis showed that the relationship between aerobic fitness and mathematic achievement was mediated by executive functions (P<0.001).CONCLUSIONS:
Findings revealed an indirect effect of executive function on the positive relationship between aerobic fitness and mathematic achievement.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Exercise
/
Physical Fitness
/
Executive Function
/
Academic Success
Type of study:
Observational_studies
/
Prevalence_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Limits:
Child
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Country/Region as subject:
Europa
Language:
En
Journal:
J Sports Med Phys Fitness
Year:
2019
Document type:
Article