Higher GPAs

The findings at Michigan State University revealed that by the end of their freshman year, students participating in intramural sports had an average GPA of 3.25, compared to 3.07 for those who did not engage in such activities. Moreover, these students tended to drop or fail fewer courses and were 40% more likely to return for their sophomore year.

While causality cannot be definitively established, the researchers controlled for various factors such as high school GPA, gender, race, and socioeconomic status. Vasold noted, “Students who are less active may not have discovered an enjoyable form of physical activity, possibly because it wasn't made available to them in high school. A course that reintroduces diverse physical activities, including non-traditional sports and lifelong fitness options, could significantly impact student engagement and help sustain that activity level post-graduation.”

A separate study conducted in 2017, involving 21,000 college students, indicated that those who engaged in just one hour of physical activity weekly experienced a GPA increase of 0.06 compared to their sedentary peers, with further improvements noted for students who exercised twice or thrice weekly. Those who incorporated three hours of physical activity each week could see an increase in GPA by 0.18, which is considered substantial, according to Heather Sanderson, an assistant professor at Meredith College.

The benefits of physical activity extend beyond academic performance, as Sanderson and her colleagues highlighted in the Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice. The cognitive and neurological responses to exercise can alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress, while fostering a sense of community and promoting lifelong healthy habits.

Benefits of K-12 Physical Education

The evidence supporting the need for increased physical activity among K-12 students is compelling. A 2017 review of 26 studies involving over 10,000 children, published in Pediatrics, concluded that physical activity—especially through physical education—enhances classroom behavior and positively influences various academic achievements, particularly in mathematics, reading, and overall performance.

In a 2016 statement published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, 24 experts highlighted the positive effects of physical activity on children aged 6 to 18, including: - Enhanced brain development and function. - Improved academic performance following physical activity sessions. - Immediate positive impacts on cognitive functions from a single session of moderate exercise.

Additional studies from New Zealand, South Korea, Finland, and the UK consistently demonstrate that students who are more physically active achieve better academic results. However, a report from the British Journal of Sports Medicine noted that U.S. children aged 9 to 17 ranked 47th out of 50 countries for overall fitness, based on a study of 1.1 million children.

“If all children globally lined up for a race, the average American child would come in last,” remarked Grant Tomkinson, the study's senior author and an associate professor at the University of North Dakota.

Despite the documented benefits, physical education has been significantly reduced or eliminated in many K-12 institutions nationwide: - York, Pennsylvania, removed art, music, and physical education from elementary schools several years ago. - Illinois adjusted its state law in 2017 to mandate PE in public schools for only three days a week, exempting students involved in extracurricular sports. - Cuts to arts and PE programs in Oregon public schools contributed to teacher walkouts earlier this year.

Ironically, Oregon was one of the few states, alongside D.C., that met national guidelines for weekly PE time, as highlighted in a 2016 report from the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE). Only 39 states require physical education in elementary schools, while 44 states mandate it in high schools.

Interestingly, school authorities often cite the need for improved standardized test performance as a reason for reduced PE offerings. For many institutions, budget constraints are also a significant factor. Most states currently invest less in K-12 education than they did in 2008, despite an increase of over a million students in the past decade, as reported by the National Education Association (NEA). Consequently, physical education programs have faced cuts across several states.

While PE may not suit every student—particularly those with specific physical or mental health issues—parents have long acknowledged its necessity. A 2013 survey revealed that 28% of K-12 parents rated their schools poorly regarding the allocation of sufficient PE time, with 68% indicating their child's school does not offer daily physical education.

“Parents should communicate with state boards of education and local school districts to advocate for more physical education for their children and encourage policymakers to allocate necessary resources,” advises Dwayne Proctor, director of childhood obesity research at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Inactivity not only impairs academic success but is also linked to rising obesity rates among American youth. Additionally, the CDC noted an increase in children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) from approximately 4.4 million in 2003 to 6.1 million in 2016, affecting 9.4% of children aged 2-17. Notably, a 2012 study in the Journal of Pediatrics demonstrated that exercise can enhance focus on school tasks for children with ADHD.

“Exercise may serve as a valuable non-pharmaceutical intervention for ADHD,” states Matthew Pontifex, a researcher from Michigan State University.

The extensive health benefits of exercise are well-documented. “Active children exhibit better cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness,” according to a SHAPE report, which further links physical activity to improved bone health, muscular fitness, and a healthier body composition.

Lifelong Habits?

The rise of sedentary lifestyles among K-12 students and the decreasing number of required PE classes set the stage for a lifetime of inactivity. A study in the American Journal of Health Promotion found that students aged 12-15 who engaged in PE in school maintained more accurate beliefs regarding the necessary amount of physical activity for good health.

“The middle school years are crucial for instilling physical education habits, as students are typically required to participate for at least part of the year. However, after the freshman year of high school, most students face no such requirements,” notes Brad Cardinal, a professor at Oregon State University. “Experiences in physical education during this time can significantly influence whether adolescents choose to remain active.”

Research indicates that physical activity generally declines as students transition from high school to college, establishing a pattern that often continues into adulthood. Cardinal advocates for requiring physical education courses in universities, stating, “Previous studies indicate that having a college PE requirement yields long-term benefits. Students inactive in college are likely to remain so later in life.”

What is the current state of fitness among college students? The American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association recommend adults engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise five days a week. However, most college students fail to meet this guideline, missing out not only on potential GPA improvements but also on enhanced overall health, better sleep, reduced stress, and social opportunities.

Cardinal expresses a philosophical perspective on the necessity of PE in higher education, stating, “As educational institutions, colleges and universities should prioritize holistic student health and wellness, encompassing various dimensions, including emotional, physical, social, and, for some, spiritual health.”

Despite these considerations, as of 2012, fewer than 40% of U.S. colleges and universities mandated any physical education requirements. No recent studies have updated this figure, but Cardinal believes it likely remains unchanged. Research published last year in the Journal of American College Health revealed that when physical education classes are offered as electives, they tend to attract already motivated students, whereas mandatory courses encourage participation among inactive students.

Not requiring PE “overlooks a significant number of students who are inactive and unmotivated, but who could greatly benefit from these classes,” Cardinal asserts.

Sanderson, the Meredith College researcher, emphasizes the dual advantages of exercise, highlighting both long-term cognitive gains and immediate benefits. She recommends cardiovascular exercises such as cycling, brisk walking, or swimming for sustained brain health, suggesting that students should engage in low to moderate activities—like yoga or walking—for no more than 30 minutes before cognitive tasks for optimal results.