SAFETYLIT WEEKLY UPDATE

We compile citations and summaries of about 400 new articles every week.
RSS Feed

HELP: Tutorials | FAQ
CONTACT US: Contact info

Search Results

Journal Article

Citation

Amin SA, Wright CM, Boulos R, Chomitz VR, Chui K, Economos CD, Sacheck JM. J. Sch. Health 2017; 87(12): 932-940.

Affiliation

Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, 75 Kneeland Street, 8th Floor, Boston, MA 02111.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, American School Health Association, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/josh.12569

PMID

29096413

Abstract

BACKGROUND: A supportive school-based physical activity environment (PAE) is integral to children's physical activity behaviors, but less understood is its association with academic achievement. We aimed to assess the association between PAE and academic performance and whether a stronger relationship exists in lower-income schools (LIS) compared to middle-income schools (MIS).

METHODS: Schoolchildren (grades 3rd to 5th) were recruited from 17 Massachusetts public schools. Schools were classified based on geographic characteristics and free/reduced-price lunch (FRPL) eligibility (LIS = 7, Median FRPL = 86%; MIS = 10, Median FRPL = 20%). PAE was measured using a 10-item survey. Mixed-effects logistic regression models were used to examine associations between PAE and scoring Advanced/Proficient on standardized Math and English Language Arts (ELA) tests.

RESULTS: Demographic characteristics differed between LIS (N = 278, 5% non-Hispanic white) and MIS (N = 297, 73% non-Hispanic white). In LIS, PAE was associated with Math (odds ratio = 5.40, 95% CI = 2.52-11.54 p <.001), but not ELA test scores (p >.05). There was no relationship between PAE and MIS test scores (p >.05). Schooltime moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was not associated with test scores (p >.05).

CONCLUSIONS: A beneficial relationship exists between a high-PAE and test scores among LIS children, suggesting that the PAE may be associated with a more supportive environment and may be more fundamentally important for lower-income students.

© 2017, American School Health Association.


Language: en

Keywords

academic achievement; physical activity; physical activity environment; school

NEW SEARCH


All SafetyLit records are available for automatic download to Zotero & Mendeley
Print