Physical Exercise Improves Academic Performance: Based on CNKI Meta-Analysis Evidence

Abstract

Background. It has long been a major source of debate in academic circles whether physical activity has a positive or negative effect on academic performance. Although this subject has been covered in several studies at various levels, only a small number of researchers have examined and supported the data found in the literature. Methods. A meta-analysis is used to thoroughly examine the literature on physical exercise and academic performance included in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database. After three rounds of searching, screening, and according to the criteria of literature inclusion, 13 valid documents are obtained for analysis with 90 final indicators. Results. (1) Physical exercise has a significant effect on academic performance; (2) physical exercise has a significant effect on single-subject performance, and there are no group differences in academic performance between different subjects; and (3) different exercise intensities have a significant effect on academic performance and significant differences in academic performance. Conclusions. (1) Physical exercise can improve academic performance and should increase students’ physical education participation; (2) physical exercise in different disciplines should hold physical education as equal to other cultural subjects; and (3) sports exercise with different sports intensities has different benefits for academic performance, and sports should be scientifically designed to achieve the maximum effect on academic performance.