Poverty Status Moderates the Relationship between Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Academic Achievement

Abstract

BACKGROUNDThe purpose of the study was to examine the associations among cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), weight status and academic achievement in youth, and to determine if these relationships are moderated by poverty status.METHODSThe sample included 5th (N = 27,791) and 8th grade (N = 16,047) South Carolina students. Academic achievement was assessed using a state‐wide assessment and classified into 2 categories (ie, does not meet/approaches standards vs meets/exceeds standards). CRF was assessed and expressed as Healthy Fitness Zone (HFZ) or Needs Improvement/Needs‐Improvement‐Health Risk. Students' demographics and poverty status were reported. Multilevel logistic regression analyses were used to examine the association between CRF, weight status and academic achievement. Interaction terms were introduced into the final models. Analyses were performed separately by grade level and academic subject.RESULTSThe CRF was significantly associated with the odds of meeting/exceeding academic standards after controlling for covariates and adjusting for weight status. The relationship between CRF and academic achievement varied significantly by poverty status. After adjustment for CRF, weight status was not significantly associated with academic achievement.CONCLUSIONSThe odds of achieving academic standards were significantly higher among students achieving CRF HFZ regardless of poverty status. CRF may partially mitigate the adverse effect of poverty on academic achievement.

Could Physical Fitness Be Considered as a Protective Social Factor Associated with Bridging the Cognitive Gap Related to School Vulnerability in Adolescents? The Cogni-Action Project

“…This research showed a positive association between CRF with mathematics and spelling, moderated by children’s socioeconomic level. Similar findings were established by Pate et al [ 20 ] in a large sample size of schoolchildren from the USA, showing that poverty moderates the association between CRF and academic achievement.…”

“…In general, there are three gaps in this field of research that are relevant to address. First, the evidence has mainly assessed how factors related to social disadvantage and physical fitness are independently associated with cognitive performance [ 15 , 18 , 19 ] or academic performance [ 20 ]. Second, most studies evaluating physical fitness include social factors (e.g., low-SES, low-income, etc.)…”

Longitudinal Associations of Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Poverty With Academic Performance Among Youth

“…12 Among youth, socioeconomic status (or poverty status) is associated with adverse physical and mental health outcomes, poorer indicators of brain health and academic performance, and lower levels of CRF. [13][14][15][16] However, to our knowledge, no prior study has examined how poverty status moderates the association between CRF and academic performance. Given the growing burden of poverty among US students, a better understanding of this relationship is warranted to inform evidence-based strategies to improve and maintain CRF and academic performance among youth.…”

A Summary of One Research Team’s Contributions to Understanding Physical Activity Behavior in Children and Youth

“…The Healthy Communities Study was a multicenter study that examined the influence of programs and policies in communities across the United States on children’s eating, physical activity, and weight status [ 10 ]. The SC FitnessGram Project involved a collaboration with the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control, the SC Department of Education, and the Blue Cross Blue Shield of SC Foundation [ 11 ]. CPARG’s role was to analyze data collected by public school personnel and provided to CPARG by the SC Department of Education.…”