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Classroom-based physical activity improves children's math achievement - A randomized controlled trial
Mona Have1, Jacob Have Nielsen1, Martin Thomsen Ernst1
1Centre of Research in Childhood Health, Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern, Odense, Denmark.
Plos One
|December 18, 2018
Summary
Integrating physical activity (PA) into math lessons significantly improved elementary students' math achievement. This 9-month intervention enhanced academic performance without impacting executive functions, fitness, or BMI.
Area of Science:
- Pedagogy and Educational Psychology
- Child Health and Development
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Academic achievement is a key focus in elementary education.
- The role of physical activity (PA) in cognitive development is increasingly recognized.
- Integrating movement into classroom settings presents a novel approach to enhance learning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of incorporating physical activity into mathematics lessons on children's academic performance.
- To assess secondary outcomes including executive functions, fitness levels, and body mass index (BMI) in children participating in the intervention.
- To determine the feasibility and effectiveness of a school-based physical activity intervention.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 505 children aged approximately 7 years across 12 Danish schools.
- Schools were randomized into either an intervention group (PA integrated into math lessons) or a control group.
- Outcomes measured included standardized math tests, executive function tasks, aerobic fitness tests, BMI, and accelerometry-based physical activity monitoring.
Main Results:
- Children in the intervention group showed a statistically significant improvement in math scores compared to the control group (p = 0.011).
- A trend towards increased physical activity levels during math lessons was observed in the intervention group (p = 0.067).
- No significant effects were found on executive functions, aerobic fitness, or body mass index.
Conclusions:
- Integrating physical activity into elementary school math lessons can enhance mathematical achievement.
- While this intervention improved academic outcomes, it did not significantly affect executive functions, fitness, or BMI.
- School-based physical activity interventions hold potential for improving academic success and warrant further investigation.
