The Acute and Chronic Effects of GoNoodle Brain Breaks on Reading Fluency Among Elementary School Children

Abstract

There is growing evidence that increased physical fitness and physical activity (PA) rates are positively associated with academic achievement. Recent efforts toward Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs (CSPAP) include the use of PA breaks during academic learning activities. This study examined the acute and chronic effects of PA breaks (via GoNoodle) on the reading fluency of 384 elementary school children. Reading scores (words per minute, reading accuracy, and words retold) increased significantly in certain chronic and acute conditions. Findings provide additional support of the growing body of research for the use of PA for enhancing academic achievement, specifically reading fluency.