By Juliano Oliveira
New research from the University of South Australia has observed that the less time children spent in light physical activity, such as doing chores, sitting at the computer, playing video games, the better their academic outcomes.
Responsible for the study, Dr Dot Dumuid highlights the effects of light physical activity in educational purposes.
“When we talk about what makes up a child’s best day for academic achievement, we have to consider all the different elements of that day – sleep, exercise, activity, rest and play – but of course, within the boundaries of 24 hours,” Dr Dumuid says.
“If a child is spending more time in light physical activity – doing chores, playing computer, or just pottering around – then they have less time for sleep, study and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, all of which are good for academic achievement.”
Co-researcher, Professor Tim Olds says that poorer academic achievement is unlikely to be related to light physical activity per se, but that it displaces the remaining behaviours.