Children who are physically active every day feel good about themselves and have better concentration. Later, they are also more likely to go to better high schools.
- The body mass index (BMI) is an indicator that allows you to estimate an individual’s corpulence by dividing the weight in kilograms by the height in centimeters squared.
- The figure obtained determines in which category the person falls, ranging from malnutrition (below 16.5) to morbid or massive obesity (over 40).
Cycling, walking, group active games, club sports… According to theHealth Insurance, children ages 6 to 11 should get at least one hour of moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity every day. Indeed, among the youngest, sport has many virtues: promoting good growth, improving concentration, improving learning abilities, etc.
More likely to go to upper secondary high schools
Benefits corroborated by a study published in the journal Journal of Clinical Medicine. According to the researchers, primary school children in good physical shape would generally feel better about themselves and could also concentrate better. In the long term, they would also have a better chance of going to the best high schools than less athletic children.
Fitness and concentration tests
To arrive at these results, the scientists analyzed data from 3,285 girls and 3,248 boys in Germany aged 6 to 10. The criteria used by the researchers were physical strength, endurance, ability to concentrate and health-related quality of life.
Obese and overweight children have a lower quality of life
Thus, overweight and obese children performed worse on physical tests than those with normal body weight. They also had a lower quality of life, assessed according to several indicators: physical well-being, self-esteem and well-being in friendships and at school.
Sport helps on the way to higher level high schools
Another lesson from the study:Elementary students with good physical condition and good concentration skills are more likely to enter high schools“, explains Professor Renate Oberhoffer-Fritz, one of the authors. This means that it is very important to encourage the motor development of children from an early age as this can also have a positive impact on their mental development.“.
Promote sport and limit sedentary lifestyle
According to Health Insurance, children under five years old should do three hours of physical activity a day, such as walking, active games, initiation to sports… It is also important to limit sedentary lifestyle: avoid screens before the age of two, limit them to a maximum of 2 to 5 years old then to one hour a day for 6-11 year olds.
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