The relationship between physical fitness and academic achievement has received
much attention owing to the increasing prevalence of children who are overweight
and unfit, as well as the inescapable pressure on schools to produce students who
meet academic standards. This study examined 259 public school students in
third and fifth grades and found that field tests of physical fitness were positively
related to academic achievement. Specifically, aerobic capacity was positively
associated with achievement, whereas BMI was inversely related. Associations
were demonstrated in total academic achievement, mathematics achievement,
and reading achievement, thus suggesting that aspects of physical fitness may
be globally related to academic performance in preadolescents. The findings are
discussed with regards to maximizing school performance and the implications
for educational policies