Research: Physical activity may promote better grades
Middle school students might perform better in classes if they engage in physical activity during the day, according to MSU research. The researchers found that grades were 10 percent higher for students who were taking physical education classes, said Jim Pivarnik, a professor of kinesiology, epidemiology and physical medicine and rehabilitation, who helped conduct the study. The researchers used a western Michigan middle school where some students took physical education during the first semester and the rest of the students took it during second semester, said Dawn Coe, an assistant professor of movement science at Grand Valley State University, who was also involved in the study. "We did physical fitness tests, such as an aerobic test, muscular strength, endurance and flexibility, and we also looked at their grades for both semesters and a standardized test," she said. Some said middle school physical education programs are important, but the reason to have them shouldn't be because it supports academics alone. "There are many benefits to be derived from a well-orchestrated middle school physical education program that extend far beyond boosting academic performance in other content areas," said Robert Benham, an assistant professor of kinesiology.