The relationship of physical fitness and academic achievement of urban school students in Malaysia

Abstract

Physical fitness is a factor which influences academic achievement. The purpose of this study is to know the relationship of physical fitness towards academic achievements (sciences subject) among the female students in the district of Petaling Jaya, Selangor. This is a descriptive study utilizes a comparative data analysis method. The respondents involved were 357 female students; 177 students were 16 years old and the remaining 180 students were 17 years old. Data was gathered from Standard Kecergasan Fizikal Kebangsaan Untuk Murid Sekolah Malaysia (SEGAK) evaluation, and later was compared to the respondents' year-end Science examination results. The findings show that the respondents' body mass index is in a normal range of physical fitness level (M = 3.74, SD =.795), whereas their Science examinations results were satisfying in the category of credit or grade C (M = 7.04, SD = 2.660). There was a significant relationship between the physical fitness test using the 3-minute step test and the flexibility of performing academically in the Science subject which is r =.226, p > 0.01 and r =.159, p < 0.01. The finding shows that their cardiovascular endurance and flexibility have influence on their academic achievements, particularly in the Science subject. The results of this study could be used by teachers and school administrators to improve physical fitness programs at school for the benefits of the students.