The Effectiveness of Impact of Physical Activity on the Thinking Indicators of School Children

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of physical activity in physical education classes on the thinking indicators of schoolchildren. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in a secondary school number 60 in Kirov (Russia), attended by ninth graders aged 15-16 years (141 schoolchildren). The main method of research was the test “Cross out an extra word”, which determined the level of development of students' thinking. The test was used before and after the physical education lesson 1 time per month for 5 months. Statistical analysis used: The student's T-criterion was used in the study. Results: The children who did not exercise, but completed the test, were able to only slightly improve their performance. This trend is observed every month. The indicators improved on average from 2.1% to 4.3% (p>0.05). The situation is different for children who were engaged in physical education lessons. In each of the five months, the test indicators improved significantly, on average, from 14.2% to 18.8% (p<0.05). Conclusion: Physical education likely has a beneficial effect on the thinking of schoolchildren. This study will serve as an additional motivation for children to engage in physical activities, since physical exercises contribute not only to the development of physical qualities, but also to the development of schoolchildren's thinking.