How Do Youth Sports Help Kids in Academics?

Youth sports offer numerous benefits.

Children who participate in youth sports or physical activities may have greater academic performance. Charles Hillman, an associate professor of kinesiology at the University of Illinois, indicates that while participation in youth sports or physical activities does not make the child more "intellectual," participating in sports supports the child's overall development. This includes the development of the brain, which in turn, can subsequently lead to better overall academic performance.

Background

Sports can help children to focus.

In the past you may have thought or heard that kids are either good in sports or academics, but not both. You may have also referred to a child as a being either a "brain" or a "jock." This distinction is often no longer the case. Kids can excel in both sports and academics. In fact, youth sports and academics often complement each other.

Theories/Speculation

Physical activity can lead to better fitness.

K. J. Linder, who wrote about pediatric exercise science, presented data illustrating that brain function, which impacts academic performance, is supported through time spent outside of class. Time outside of a classroom setting is often when physical activities, such as youth sports, take place. This may include physical education as well as after school athletic programs. When a child participates in sports, he may experience increased levels of energy and reduced classroom boredom. This contributes to better student attention in academic settings. Linder also reported that kids who consider themselves outstanding academic performers are generally more likely to be active in sports and physical activities.

Benefits

Exercise can improve attention span.

Youth sports and physical activity influence kids in positive ways. According to Live Science, physical activity increases the brain's function, supports brain nourishment, leads to greater energy levels and contributes to the ability to concentrate. Youth sports can also improve a child's self-esteem, leading to improvements in overall behavior.

Carl Cotman, the director of the Institute for Brain Aging and Dementia at the University of California - Irvine, has shown that participating in youth sports can stimulate the gray matter of the child's brain. When this stimulation occurs and neurotransmitters are released, brain neuron development is promoted and neuronal connections are enhanced. This contributes to an increase in brain function that can potentially positively affect academic performance. In addition, when a child participates in a sport or physical activity, specific chemicals, such as dopamine, increase throughout the body. These chemicals improve focus, reduce impulsive behavior and have calming effects.

Factors

Physically fit kids may do better on tests

Charles Hillman, associate professor of kinesiology at the University of Illinois, says that kids who participate in youth sports may be more likely to have a lower body mass index (BMI). BMI is a measurement that compares body weight to height. When you compare physically active children to less active children, active children may have greater overall body flexibility and core body strength. The California Department of Education found that more physically active kids not only tend to have a better overall level of fitness, they also performed significantly better on academic tests vs. the less physically fit kids.

Considerations

While exercise may not directly influence the development of a child's intellect, there is a cumulative benefit for a child's overall development and academic performance. Kids can be both a "jock" and a "brain," participating in youth sports and academics.

References

• "Pediatric Exercise Science"; Sport Participation and Perceived Academic Performance of School Children and Youth; K. Linder; 1999
• Active Living Resource: Physical Activity and Academic Performance
• Live Science: How Your Inner Athlete Makes You Smarter
• Sports Media: Physical Activity and Academic Performance
• Live Science: Exercise Improves Kids' Academics

Resources

• Parenting Magazine
• Math and Reading Help for Kids