Initiative Description: Linkages between academic achievement and involvement in PE, school PA and sport programs have been examined, based on a systematic review of currently available literature, including a comprehensive search of MEDLINE (1966 to 2007), PSYCHINFO (1974 to 2007), SCHOLAR.GOOGLE.COM, and ERIC databases.

Study Results: An additional curricular emphasis on PE may result in small absolute gains in grade point average (GPA), and such findings strongly suggest a relative increase in performance per unit of academic teaching time.

Reference: Trudeau, F., & Shephard, R. J. (2008). Physical education, school physical activity, school sports and academic performance. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition & Physical Activity, 5, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1186/1479-5868-5-10

Level of Evidence: Very Good