More Vigorous Exercise Equals Better Academic Performance

Academic Benefits of Exercise and Fitness

Middle school students who perform more vigorous physical activity than their more sedentary counterparts tend to do better in school, according to a study published today by researchers from Michigan State University and Grand Valley State University.

The research is published in the August issue of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, the official journal of the American College of Sports Medicine.

For one academic year, the study tracked more than 200 sixth graders. For one semester half of the students took the general physical education class offered by the school, while the other half took part in a non-physical education course. Halfway through the school year they switched.

The researchers found that students taking the physical education course did no better or worse in their academic classes.

However, they also found that students who took part in more vigorous physical activities