Combining Physical Activity With Classroom Lessons Results in Improved Test Scores

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110501183653.htm

ScienceDaily (July 1, 2011) — When schools cut physical education programs so students can spend more time in the classroom, they may be missing a golden opportunity to promote learning, according to research presented on May 1, at the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) annual meeting in Denver.

The study adds to growing evidence that exercise is good not only for the body but also the mind. It also shows that physical education and academic instruction need not be mutually exclusive.

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Results showed that the time spent out of a traditional classroom in order to increase physical education did not hurt students' academic achievement. In fact, student test scores improved.

Specifically, the percentage of students reaching their goal on the state tests increased from 55 percent before the program was initiated to 68.5 percent after the program was initiated.
"These data indicate that when carefully designed physical education programs are put into place, children's academic achievement does not suffer," Dr. King said.

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