Association Between Physical Fitness, Body Fat, BMI, and Physical Activity Level with Learning Outcomes in Elementary School Students

Abstract

The main problem in achieving learning outcomes in physical subjects at the primary school level is very complex. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between physical fitness, body fat, BMI, and physical activity levels with physical education learning outcome in elementary school students. A cross-sectional study was conducted to answer the research questions. This study involved 27 students (Aged 10.82+0.79) from elementary schools in Malang City, Indonesia. Instruments to determine physical fitness include endurance (PACER Test), flexibility (V sit and reach), and strength (sit-ups and squat thrust), the Indonesian Physical Fitness Test was used to determine body fat and Body Mass Index (BMI), and Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C) was used to determine physical activity levels. The research result showed that physical fitness, body fat, BMI, and physical activity level were closely related to learning outcomes (R of 0.821), but only physical fitness influences physical fitness (Sig. < 0.05), while body fat, BMI, and physical activity level had no effect. In conclusion, students with good physical fitness tend to get good learning outcomes, so the physical education curriculum must accommodate physical activities that can increase the physical fitness level of students. Future research on academic success factors needs to be investigated, especially schools need to promote movement-based activities to support academic success.