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Sports Participation and Academic Performance in Primary School: A Cross-Sectional Study in Chinese Children

Author

Listed:
  • Yao Zhang

    (Institute of Sports and Health, Zhengzhou Shengda University, Zhengzhou 451191, China)

  • Jin Yan

    (Centre for Active Living and Learning, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
    College of Human and Social Futures, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia)

  • Xiao Jin

    (Department of Physical Education, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin 300384, China)

  • Hongying Yang

    (Library of Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China)

  • Ying Zhang

    (School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China)

  • Huijun Ma

    (School of Physical Education, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China)

  • Rui Ma

    (Postdoctoral Research Station in Public Administration, School of Physical Education, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China)

Abstract

Previous studies have demonstrated that the effect of sports participation on student health and academic performance is significant. However, the relationship between sports participation and academic performance in specific subjects (e.g., English) in the Chinese population is not clear, especially in primary schools. Therefore, the present cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the relationship between sports participation and academic performance in Chinese elementary schools. Methods: All study participants were asked to self-report their sociodemographic factors (e.g., sex, grade, age), independence, and outcomes. Alongside that, a self-reported questionnaire was used to assess participation in sports and academic performance of three core subjects in China’s schooling system (Chinese; math; English; from A to F, with A indicating the best academic performance). An ordered logistic regression, with an odds ratio (OR) at 95%CI confidence interval, was performed to examine the association between sports team participation and academic performance. Results: The final analysis included 27,954 children aged 10–14. Children in the fifth and sixth grades accounted for 50.2% and 49.8%. Chinese, math, and English academic performance were positively correlated with participation in sports. Compared with students who never participate in sports, those students who participate in sports 1–3 times a month, 1–2 times a week, and 3 or more times a week, were more likely to achieve better grades. In terms of math, compared with students who never participate in sports, those students who participate in sports 1–3 times a month, 1–2 times a week, and 3 or more times a week, were more likely to achieve better grades. Regarding English, compared with students who never participate in sports, those students who participate in sports 1–3 times a month, 1–2 times a week, and 3 or more times a week, were more likely to achieve better grades. Conclusions: Consistent with previous studies, the current study confirms the positive effect of sports participation on children’s academic performance. For an academic-related outreach, gender-, grade- and area-specific strategies should be considered in future research.

Suggested Citation

  • Yao Zhang & Jin Yan & Xiao Jin & Hongying Yang & Ying Zhang & Huijun Ma & Rui Ma, 2023. "Sports Participation and Academic Performance in Primary School: A Cross-Sectional Study in Chinese Children," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-14, February.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:4:p:3678-:d:1073406
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Rees, Daniel I. & Sabia, Joseph J., 2010. "Sports participation and academic performance: Evidence from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 29(5), pages 751-759, October.
    2. Themis Kokolakakis & Fernando Lera-López & Thanos Panagouleas, 2012. "Analysis of the determinants of sports participation in Spain and England," Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 44(21), pages 2785-2798, July.
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    4. Themis Kokolakakis & Fernando Lera-López & Thanos Panagouleas, 2012. "Analysis of the determinants of sports participation in Spain and England," Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 44(21), pages 2785-2798, July.
    5. Hejun Shen & Jin Yan & Jin-Tao Hong & Cain Clark & Xian-Nan Yang & Yang Liu & Si-Tong Chen, 2020. "Prevalence of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior among Chinese Children and Adolescents: Variations, Gaps, and Recommendations," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-18, April.
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