Which one? A comparative study of traditional and sports uniforms on academic achievement, cognitive performance, playtime, bullying, and discrimination in adolescents: The Cogni-Action Project

Abstract

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to compare academic achievement, cognitive performance, playtime, bullying, and discrimination in adolescents according to traditional uniforms (TUs) and sports uniforms (SUs) worn at school, while simultaneously exploring the influence of the school vulnerability index.MethodsA total of 988 Chilean adolescents (52.6% boys) aged 10–14 years participated in this cross-sectional study. Academic achievement was evaluated by the average grade in maths, language, and science grades, while cognitive performance was assessed through eight cognitive tasks. TUs affecting physical activity, playtime, bullying, and discrimination were queried. Mixed model analyses were performed.ResultsNo differences were observed in academic achievement (TU: 5.4 ± 0.1 vs. SU: 5.5 ± 0.2, p = 0.785) or in cognitive performance (TU: 99.6 ± 0.8 vs. SU: 98.9 ± 1.8, p= 0.754) according to the school uniformtype. Moreover, 64.1 % of participants declared that wearing TU affects their physical activity (traditional uniforms: + 8 min and sports uniforms: + 20 min), and those who believed so spent more time playing than those who answered negatively (14.5 min, p = 0.012). Finally, adolescents wearing SU displayed a lower feeling of bullying and discrimination; this finding depended mainly on the school's vulnerability.ConclusionIt is concluded that wearing TU does not show an educational advantage at an academic and cognitive level that justifies its obligation. In addition, it could be suggested that schools consider adolescents' opinions in adopting a more comfortable uniform, such as the SU. This feasible and low-cost measure would help to increase adolescents' physical activity during the school day, and, contrary to belief, it would not be related to increased feelings of bullying and discrimination.

A comparative study between traditional and sports school uniforms on cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness and waist-height-to-ratio in adolescents

“…It should be noted that in many schools where TU is required is also indispensable to buy various types of uniforms, which represents a significant economic burden for families ( 22 ). Moreover, no clear educational advantages are observed in schoolchildren using TU compared to SU ( 8 ).…”

“…Indeed, some of these governments declare to use them to improve student behavior, discipline, and academic performance ( 2 , 7 ). However, recent evidence indicates that there are no differences between traditional (TU) and sports uniforms (SU) (i.e., polo shirts or t-shirts and sport or short trousers) in academic and cognitive performance, perception of bullying, and school discrimination in adolescents ( 1 , 8 ).…”

“…The mechanism underlying the association between SU and improved fitness can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the freedom of movement afforded by this type of uniform enables students to engage in physical activities more comfortably and effectively ( 8 , 9 , 11 ). The absence of restrictive clothing, such as skirts or ties, allows for a broader range of motion, facilitating participation in exercise and active play ( 10 , 12 ).…”

“…Therefore, low-cost and feasible strategies at public and education levels are demanded worldwide to revert this complex landscape and reduce health inequalities ( 20 ). In this way, modifying school uniforms could be one feasible alternative ( 8 ) and simultaneously would support students’ perceptions that they would be more active if they wore sports uniforms ( 9 ).…”

“…Besides, most Chilean adolescents wear TU at schools, but some have gradually decided to switch to SU. A plausible reason is that, due to the lockdown by COVID-19, most schools have performed classes virtually; thus, it was not necessary to wear TU, so principals and families have begun to question its use mainly for economic concerns ( 8 ). It should be noted that in many schools where TU is required is also indispensable to buy various types of uniforms, which represents a significant economic burden for families ( 22 ).…”