Relationship between the non-aerobic physical fitness and math performance in children

Abstract

Background: There is a growing interest in investigating the relationship between regular practice of physical exercise and educational performance, and several studies have reported positive relationships between physical fitness dimensions and aspects of school performance in students of varying age groups. However, we have a shortage of studies in the early childhood. Objective: analyse the relationship between the non-aerobic physical fitness of children and their cognitive performance. Method: Data was collected for 136 children (58,8% girls; mean age 72,75 ± 10,11 months) enrolled in public schools in two Brazilian municipalities. Assessments include the Sitting and Rising Test and the Performance Indicator for Primary Schools. Results: the non-aerobic physical fitness was associated with math performance (ρ=0,213) and with age (ρ=0,216). Math performance was associated with age (ρ=0,695). Conclusion: the results suggest a weak positive correlation between the non-aerobic physical fitness and cognitive performance in early childhood after controlling for maturation effect.