Initiative Description: Relevant research was identified through a search of nine electronic databases using both physical activity and academic-related search terms. Forty-three articles (reporting a total of 50 unique studies) met the inclusion criteria and were read, abstracted, and coded for this synthesis

Study Results: There were a total of 251 associations between physical activity and academic performance, representing measures of academic achievement, academic behavior, and cognitive skills and attitudes. Slightly more than half (50.5%) of all associations examined were positive

Reference: Rasberry, C.N., Lee, S.M., Robin, L. Laris, L.B., Russell, L.A., Coyle, K.K., & Nihiser, A. (2011) The association between school-based physical activity, including physical education, and academic performance: A systematic review of the literature.

Level of Evidence: Good