Students Grade Scores Linked to Phsyical Activity

Students that exercise are not only less prone to being overweight but their level of physical activity may also make them more intelligent. A U.S. Study found that physically fit students scored higher in tests than their less active peers.

For each minute that it took middle and high school students to complete a one mile run/walk test, their test scores dropped by more than a point, according to Dr. William J. McCarthy and colleagues at the University of California in Los Angeles.

The tests indicate that for optimal function of the brain, it is important to be physically fit as well. Schools and parents that don't see the value in physical activity take heed of these results.

In the study, McCarthy and his colleagues tested the math, reading and language scores among 759 5^th graders, 761 7^th graders and 470 9^th graders in Southern California. The students consisted of a 50% male to female ratio with 60% caucasians, 26% Hispanics and 7% African American/Asian Americans.

35% of the students were overweight and 28% were obese. McCarthy's team discovered that 65% of the students fell below the state fitness level. This compares to students who met or exceeded fitness standards and had higher average test scores. The researchers note that age, gender, social and economic status, ethnicity and body size did not significantly alter the statistics.

If future studies can confirm these initial studies, then "schools will have to reverse their recent disinvestment in physical education ostensibly for the purposes of boosting student achievement," they concluded.