Article
Fitbits, field-tests, and grades: The effects of a healthy and physically active lifestyle on the academic performance of first year college students
International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology
(2019)
Abstract
A growing number of studies have been performed regarding the positive effect of physical activity on academic performance. Many of these studies were conducted on children and show that students who are less physically active obtain lower grades and that physical activity interventions can be effective in improving academic achievement, academic behaviour, and cognitive skills and attitudes. The purpose of this study is to investigate if and how the positive effects of physical activity on academic performance found for children extend into a university setting. We collected Fitbit heart rate and physical activity data, 1-mile field test times, and the results of a healthy lifestyle survey from 581 first-semester freshmen enrolled at Oral Roberts University and investigated the effect they had on academic performance as measured by semester grade point averages. We found positive and significant correlations between Fitbit step counts, 1-mile field test times, lifestyle survey scores and academic performance even when controlling for gender. These findings highlight the importance for students of maintaining a physically active and healthy lifestyle when they enter university.
Keywords
- fitbit,
- exercise,
- healthy lifestyle,
- academic performance,
- university students
Publication Date
May 29, 2019
DOI
10.1080/1612197X.2019.1623062
Citation Information
Allie M. Broaddus, Brandon J. Jaquis, Colt B. Jones, Scarlet R. Jost, Andrew S.I.D. Lang, Ailin Li, Qiwen Li, Philip P. Nelson & Esther M. Spear (2019) Fitbits, field-tests, and grades: The effects of a healthy and physically active lifestyle on the academic performance of first year college students, International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, DOI: 10.1080/1612197X.2019.1623062
Creative Commons license
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons CC_BY International License.