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Effects of a Physical Education Intervention on Academic Performance: A Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial

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  • Rodrigo Antunes Lima

    (Institute of Sport Science, University of Graz, Mozartgasse 14, 8010 Graz, Austria
    Research Group on Lifestyles and Health, University of Pernambuco, Arnóbio Marquês Street, 310, Recife 50100-130, PE, Brazil)

  • Fernanda Cunha Soares

    (Research Group on Lifestyles and Health, University of Pernambuco, Arnóbio Marquês Street, 310, Recife 50100-130, PE, Brazil)

  • Jorge Bezerra

    (Research Group on Lifestyles and Health, University of Pernambuco, Arnóbio Marquês Street, 310, Recife 50100-130, PE, Brazil)

  • Mauro Virgílio Gomes de Barros

    (Research Group on Lifestyles and Health, University of Pernambuco, Arnóbio Marquês Street, 310, Recife 50100-130, PE, Brazil)

Abstract

Background: We investigated the effects of three different interventions on academic performance in students enrolled in the first year of high school. Methods: This was a cluster randomised controlled trial conducted with 1200 students enrolled in the first year of high school. Schools were randomly assigned to: 1. Doubling physical education (PE) classes (3:20 h of PE/week); 2. workshop with the PE teachers; 3. workshop with the PE teachers and doubling the PE classes; and 4. control group (1:40 h of PE/week). We assured that the schools within the groups were equal regarding: The structural condition of the sports court; number of PE teachers; number of school classes; and the average number of students per classroom. Results: Overall, the intervention was not effective in improving the students’ academic performance. However, the subgroup analysis showed that the workshop intervention group increased the academic performance of students who had failed an academic year (from 16 years of age), compared to their peers in the doubling the PE classes (1.3 points on average) and the control groups (1.4 points on average). Conclusions: Enhancing the pedagogical skills of the teachers is a promising approach in improving the academic performance of students who failed an academic year.

Suggested Citation

  • Rodrigo Antunes Lima & Fernanda Cunha Soares & Jorge Bezerra & Mauro Virgílio Gomes de Barros, 2020. "Effects of a Physical Education Intervention on Academic Performance: A Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-10, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:12:p:4287-:d:372042
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rodrigo A. Lima & David F. Stodden & Karin A. Pfeiffer & Lisbeth R. Larsen & Mauro V. G. Barros & Anna Bugge & Lars B. Andersen, 2020. "Dynamic Balance, but Not Precision Throw, Is Positively Associated with Academic Performance in Children," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-10, April.
    2. Telford, R.D. & Cunningham, R.B. & Fitzgerald, R. & Olive, L.S. & Prosser, L. & Jiang, X. & Telford, R.M., 2012. "Physical education, obesity, and academic achievement: A 2-year longitudinal investigation of australian elementary school children," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 102(2), pages 368-374.
    3. World Bank, 2018. "World Development Report 2018 [Rapport sur le développement dans le monde 2018]," World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group, number 28340.
    4. Hollar, D. & Messiah, S.E. & Lopez-Mitnik, G. & Hollar, T.L. & Almon, M. & Agatston, A.S., 2010. "Effect of a two-year obesity prevention intervention on percentile changes in body mass index and academic performance in low-income elementary school children," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 100(4), pages 646-653.
    5. Michael Kremer, 2003. "Randomized Evaluations of Educational Programs in Developing Countries: Some Lessons," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 93(2), pages 102-106, May.
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    1. Joca Zurc & Jurij Planinšec, 2022. "Associations between Physical Activity and Academic Competence: A Cross-Sectional Study among Slovenian Primary School Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(2), pages 1-18, January.

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