Physical Activtiy May Provide Girls with an Advantage in Science

A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that regular physical activity has a positive influence on school performance. This was true especially for girls in science. Researchers at the University of Dundee, Scotland have followed some 5,000 young British subjects since birth and compared their physical and academic performances at age 11, 13 and 16.

When the researchers compared the participants' academic performance in English language arts, mathematics, and science, they found a correlation with the amount of physical activity undertaken, with an advantage for girls in regard to science.

Not only is this an important discovery for physical education and the importance of physical activity in the school environment, but the study's result are also very useful to support policies set in place in Britain and Europe to increase the number of women working in scientific areas. 

Even though the study has some limitations, the authors are very confident in saying that "more time in physical education is not only beneficial for the health and well-being, but most certainly does not interfere with the students' academic performance."

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