Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 School of Physical Education, Sport, and Exercise Science, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana
2 Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, United States
Abstract
Context: Lack of physical activity is a contributor to the obesity epidemic and is speculated
to relate to reduced academic performance; however, this link has yet to be examined
within the college population. Aims: The purpose of this study in a group of undergraduate
students, was to determine if aerobic exercise activity was related to academic performance.
Materials and Methods: The participants for this study included 740 students at multiple
universities enrolled in nursing and kinesiology studies. The participants completed the Leisure
and Physical Activity Questionnaire. Results: Pearson’s χ2
analysis revealed differences
in grade point average with aerobic activity (χ2 = 44.29, P ≤ 0.001) as well as a trend
toward differences in grade point average with weightlifting activity (χ2 = 22.69, P = 0.61).
Conclusions: Based on these findings it can be suggested that college students engage in
greater aerobic exercise.
Keywords
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