Italian Journal of Health Education, Sports and Inclusive Didactics
EFFICACY OF A COMPLEX SCHOOL-BASED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PROGRAM ON LEARNING ABILITY: A PILOT STUDY ON THE PREVENTION OF ACADEMIC FAILURE AMONG INCOMING FIRST-YEAR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the efficacy of a 16-week complex physical activity (CPA) program on students' academic performance and physical fitness. 88 students (14±.33yrs) were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG, n=44) who received 15 more minutes of CPA (with cognitive involvement) in addition to physical education (PE) classes, or a control group (CG, n=44) who received regular PE lessons. Students' physical fitness were assessed through a battery of motor tests (20mSRT, Push-up, Curl-up, Sit&reach). Cognitive performance and academic achievement were assessed by the Amos 8-15. After the intervention, the EG showed a greater capacity to organize their study and to be more flexible, an anxiety-reduction, and an improvement in motivation, concentration and learning ability (p<0.001). The CG did not report significant changes. This study suggests that a CPA program might be effective on cognition and academic success, as well as for improving students' physical fitness.
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.32043/gsd.v6i1.571
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Italian Journal of Health Education, Sports and Inclusive Didactics
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