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Does Stimulating Physical Activity Affect School Performance?

Author

Listed:
  • Bart Golsteyn

    (Maastricht University)

  • Maria W. J. Jansen

    (Maastricht University)

  • Dave H. H. Van Kann

    (Maastricht University,)

  • Annelore M. C. Verhagen

    (Maastricht University)

Abstract

This paper investigates whether encouraging children to become more physically active in their everyday life affects their primary school performance. We use data from a field quasi- experiment called the Active Living Program, which aimed to increase active modes of transportation to school and active play among 8- to 12-year-olds living in low socioeconomic status (SES) areas in the Netherlands. Difference-in-differences estimations reveal that while the interventions increase time spent on physical activity during school hours, they negatively affect school performance, especially among the worst-performing students. Further analyses reveal that increased restlessness during instruction time is a potential mechanism for this negative effect. Our results suggest that the commonly found positive effects of exercising or participating in sports on educational outcomes may not be generalizable to physical activity in everyday life. Policymakers and educators who seek to increase physical activity in everyday life need to weigh the health and well-being benefits against the probability of increasing inequality in school performance.

Suggested Citation

  • Bart Golsteyn & Maria W. J. Jansen & Dave H. H. Van Kann & Annelore M. C. Verhagen, 2019. "Does Stimulating Physical Activity Affect School Performance?," Working Papers 2019-042, Human Capital and Economic Opportunity Working Group.
    • Handle: RePEc:hka:wpaper:2019-042
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    File URL: http://humcap.uchicago.edu/RePEc/hka/wpaper/Golsteyn_Jansen_vanKann_etal_2019_physical-activity-school-performance.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Cited by:

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    2. Guan, Jing & Tena, J.D., 2022. "Physical activity, leisure-time, cognition and academic grades: Connections and causal effects in Chinese students," Journal of Asian Economics, Elsevier, vol. 78(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    health behavior; field quasi-experiment; education; physical activity;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • I20 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - General

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