Association of Weekly Strength Exercise Frequency and Academic Performance Among Students at a Large University in the United States

Abstract

The study aimed to examine (a) the association between weekly strength exercise frequency and grade point average (GPA), and (b) the demographic characteristics of weekly strength exercise frequency among undergraduate students at a large southern state university in the United States. Health behavior data (N = 1125) collected by the American College Health Association at the university in 2008 were analyzed. Analysis of variance was used to investigate weekly strength exercise frequency differences in GPA, sex, ethnicity, and year in university. The results revealed that those who more frequently engaged in strength exercise had significantly higher GPA. There was a significant difference in weekly strength exercise frequency by sex and ethnicity. Findings suggest that regular engagement in strength exercise may not only have physical health benefits but is also associated with academic achievement in high education. There is a need to further investigate the mechanism of strength exercise on GPA among university students.

Physical Activity Participation and Constraints Among Athletic Training Students

“…[30][31][32] The ATSs in our study participated in more PA than the general population, and based on a recent systematic review, 32 this could lead to better academic performance. Results from the review suggested that more than 50% of all associations between PA and academic achievement were positive, whereas only 1.5% were negative; the remaining 48% showed no association.…”

“…Results from the review suggested that more than 50% of all associations between PA and academic achievement were positive, whereas only 1.5% were negative; the remaining 48% showed no association. 32 Although these studies were conducted primarily in school-aged children, a recent study 31 of college students demonstrated that those students who more frequently engaged in strength-training activities had higher grade point averages. Our findings did not show a link between grade point average and engagement of PA, yet research in this area has shown promising results.…”

University Students' Perceptions of the Relationship Between Bus Pass Ownership and Physical Activity Levels

“…A potential solution for this problem of insufficient activity is the promotion of healthy behaviours via physical activity interventions on university campuses, which have been associated with increased physiological and psychological health benefits such as increases in overall fitness, reduction of stress, and improved academic performance (Freudenberg et al, 2013;Keating et al, 2013). For example, brisk walking included in daily commutes is a form of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity that contributes to energy expenditure, which, in turn, is a valuable way to improve personal health (Warburton et al, 2006;Wener & Evans, 2007).…”

“…For example, brisk walking included in daily commutes is a form of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity that contributes to energy expenditure, which, in turn, is a valuable way to improve personal health (Warburton et al, 2006;Wener & Evans, 2007). This is illustrated by Tully and Cupples (2011) increased amount of walking for university students could contribute to overall increases in physical activity levels, which are associated with the promotion of good physical and mental health, as well as increases in academic performance (Besser & Dannenberg, 2005;Keating et al, 2013;MacDonald, Stokes, Cohen, Kofner, & Ridgeway, 2010).…”

“…University students, most of whom are young adults aged 18-24 years (Statistics Canada, 2010), are at risk for insufficiently active lifestyles, thus leading to missed opportunities to gain health benefits that regular participation in physical activity would otherwise provide (Irwin, 2004;Laska, Pelletier, Larson, & Story, 2012). In addition to promoting good health and being correlated with higher academic performance among students (Keating, Castelli, & Ayers, 2013), physical activity also serves as a preventative measure for many health problems, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes mellitus, and some cancers (Tremblay et al, 2011;Warburton, Nicol, & Bredin, 2006). Young adults may obtain health-related benefits from using various modes of active transportation such as walking, biking, or public transit (Besser & Dannenberg, 2005;Wener & Evans, 2007).…”