PHYSICAL-SPORTS ACTIVITY AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN PRIMARY EDUCATION: A STUDY DURING THE COVID-19 QUARANTINE

Abstract

Introduction and objectives: More and more benefits of different kinds are associated with physical activity. While traditionally those centred on physical health have been studied to a greater extent, in recent decades those linking physical activity with improvements in mental health, social and cognitive skills have become more relevant. The aims of this study are to find out the physical activity habits of primary school pupils in Spain; to observe whether these habits condition academic performance; and, on the occasion of the home confinement resulting from the coronavirus pandemic, to study the changes in children's physical activity during this period. Methods: A total of 403 parents of primary school pupils completed an ad hoc online questionnaire on their children's physical activity habits. Descriptive analyses were used for data analysis, as well as nonparametric tests (Mann-Whitney U, Chi-cuadrado of Pearson, Spearman, Kruskal-Wallis and the Wilcoxon statistic). Results: Among the most important results, it is noted that physical activity decreased by almost an hour during the confinement, that students from public schools do less extracurricular sports activities at their school and that there are significant differences between genders in variables such as competition. Discussion and conclusions: As the results are corroborated by other recent research, it is concluded that it is necessary to promote physical activity among primary school pupils (taking into account the great influence of families) and to increase research into the possible relationship between physical activity and academic performance.