Experts Discover Link Between Inactivity and Academic Performance

The unemployment rate in the United States has improved since the recession of 2008. Nevertheless, there is still some struggle in getting a job within a livable salary bracket. Arguably, having a college degree gets an individual an edge over those who don't. According to The New York Times as reported by Learn.org, only 3.9 percent of college degree holders are unemployed. Moreover, those who have college degrees are more likely to experience significant job growth.

Needless to say, good grades have an effect on jumpstarting a healthy career. There are many factors that contribute to a child's academic performance. Nature World News recently published a report detailing the relationship between paternal guidance and good grades. More recently, researchers from Finland uncovered the effects of sedentary lifestyle and school performance among school-aged boys.

Researchers from the University of Eastern Finland recently published a report on the Journal of Science of Medicine in Sport linking the importance of physical activity to getting high marks in school. The study followed 153 children aged 6 to 8 years old who are between grades 1 and 3. Physical activity of the Grade 1 participants was measured through heart rate monitors and movement sensors then a standardized test was administered to all of the test subjects.

The results showed that children who exhibited high levels of moderate physical activity tend, low levels of sedentary times particularly in first graders have performed better on the standardized test.

"Low levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and high levels of sedentary time in Grade 1 were related to better reading skills in Grades 1-3 among boys. We also observed that boys who had a combination of low levels of physical activity and high levels of sedentary time had the poorest reading skills through Grades 1-3" quipped Eero Haapalafrom the University of Eastern Finland as reported by Science Daily.

Scientists involved in the research suggests that school districts look into incorporating physical activities to their programs in order for their student's to achieve high marks.