Fit Kids, Fit Brains?
Kinesiology professors Darla Castelli and
Charles Hillman seem to think so. Their ongoing
research spanning several years and featured in various publications correlates aerobic fitness with academic
performance. Data suggests that there is indeed a connection between how active kids are and how well they do
in school. Of particular importance is the relationship between fitness and math and reading skills.
"Specifically, children
who are aerobically fit and are of normal body weight score better on standardized tests in reading and
mathematics."
--Castelli, Hillman, Buck & Erwin, 2007
To address decreasing fitness levels and increasing obesity rates in children, Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) introduced The Fitness Integrated with Teaching (FIT) Kids Act (Senate Bill 2173) on October 17, 2007. This bill will amend No Child Left Behind legislation of 2002 and is intended to improve standards for physical education at all age levels. In December 2007 Dr. Castelli and others involved in obesity research attended a congressional briefing hosted by Senator Tom Harkin to present findings related to childhood obesity, inactivity, and academic performance.
Related Links
- See Dr. Castelli's presentation at the congressional briefing.
- Read about the congressional briefing.
- Get details of the FIT Kids Act (Senate bill S.2173) in the Congressional Record
- Read a summary of the FIT Kids Act at the American Heart Association
Related articles with contributions by Dr. Darla Castelli and Dr. Charles Hillman.
- Physically fit children appear to do better in classroom, researchers say – UI News Bureau, 2004
- Exercise builds strong brains – USA Today article
- Physical Activity and Academic Performance, fall 2007 research brief, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. PDF file.
- Building "Generation Play": Addressing the Crisis of Inactivity Among America's Children – Stanford University School of Medicine, 2007. PDF file.
They have also contributed articles to Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise and Strategies: A Journal for Physical and Sport Educators.
