Exercise and academic performance among nursing and kinesiology students at US colleges

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 χ(2) analysis revealed differences in grade point average with aerobic activity (χ(2) = 44.29, P ≤ 0.001) as well as a trend toward differences in grade point average with weightlifting activity (χ(2) = 22.69, P = 0.61).CONCLUSIONS: Based on these findings it can be suggested that college students engage in greater aerobic exercise.