Date

11-2009

Department

School of Education

Degree

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Chair

Vicky Martin

Primary Subject Area

Education, General; Education, Health; Education, Physical

Keywords

Academic Performance, Fitness Testing, Fitnessgram, Physical Fitness

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the difference in academic performance levels between physically fit and physically unfit sixth and seventh grade students. Fitness levels were determined by assessing participants on the Fitnessgram® battery of physical fitness tests, which measures body composition, aerobic capacity, muscular strength, muscular endurance, and flexibility. Academic levels were assessed using the school district's academic benchmark tests as well as Grade Point Average (GPA). The researcher used a series of nine independent t-tests to determine if there was a significant difference between the academic performance levels of physically fit and physically unfit students according to the Fitnessgram® assessments. The null hypothesis was rejected and a significant statistical difference was discovered when comparing Language Arts/Reading Benchmark Test scores, Math Benchmark Test scores, as well as the Grade Point Average of participants that achieved the Healthy Fitness Zone (HFZ) for all six tests in the Fitnessgram® battery of assessments, and those that did not achieve the HFZ. The null hypothesis was also rejected and a significant statistical difference was discovered when comparing Language Arts/Reading Benchmark and Math Benchmark Test scores of the participants that achieved the HFZ on the aerobic capacity test, to those that did not achieve the HFZ.

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